Wirral-based author Andy Hickin is on a mission to help children understand the importance of recycling — and he’s doing it through colourful characters, engaging stories and hands-on school workshops. Andy, who writes under the pen name Walter Thomas, has now sold over 800 books, with his series gaining national attention and industry support for its fun, accessible environmental messages.
CLICK HERE TO BUY WALTER THE WHEELIE BIN & FRIENDS / CLICK HERE TO BUY MR SHUFFLEBOTTOM’S GARDEN ADVENTURE
His debut book, Walter the Wheelie Bin & Friends, introduced young readers to recycling in a playful, memorable way. Filled with friendly characters such as Recycle Ralph and Tracy the Trowel, the book helps children understand what can and can’t go into their curbside bins. The success of Walter’s first adventure caught the eye of the British Aerosol Manufacturers Association (BAMA), whose Chief Executive, Patrick Heskins, praised Andy’s ability to connect with children through storytelling.
“I was impressed with just how engaging Andy’s stories are for children and how they would be the perfect platform for communicating recycling messages about aerosols,” Heskins said. “Reaching out to a young audience encourages positive attitudes and behaviours towards the environment early on for consumers of the future.”
CLICK HERE TO BUY WALTER THE WHEELIE BIN & FRIENDS / CLICK HERE TO BUY MR SHUFFLEBOTTOM’S GARDEN ADVENTURE
A New Adventure: Teaching Kids to Recycle Aerosols
Following his debut, Andy partnered with BAMA to create the second book in the series, Mr. Shufflebottom’s Garden Adventure, which teaches children how to recycle aerosol containers safely and responsibly. The book even features branded WD-40 cans — an exciting endorsement for Andy, who was thrilled to see such a well-known product supporting his environmental mission.
Alina Darragh, Global Environmental Program Director at WD-40 and Chair of BAMA’s Board of Directors, praised the book’s impact: “It’s been a pleasure to be involved with Andy’s book and to see WD-40 featured. The way in which the simplicity of recycling aerosols is explained so effectively to young readers reminds us of the value behind storytelling.”
CLICK HERE TO BUY WALTER THE WHEELIE BIN & FRIENDS / CLICK HERE TO BUY MR SHUFFLEBOTTOM’S GARDEN ADVENTURE
A Story 18 Years in the Making
The origins of Andy’s book series stretch back nearly two decades. The idea began with a simple story written by his father-in-law, Michael O’Neill, who would read it from an A4 sheet of paper to his grandchildren. With Michael’s blessing, he expanded the tale, introducing new characters and reshaping it into the engaging children’s book it is today.
Continuing the series has since become a meaningful tribute to Michael’s memory. “The main aim of the book is to get young readers into the mindset of recycling and looking after our planet as the norm,” Andy said. “This will become second nature as children mature into adults that they will pass on to future generations.”
His employer, Hydrokem Aerosols, where he works as Purchasing Manager, has also voiced support. Managing Director Richard O’Mahoney praised Hickin’s dedication: “It’s exciting to see Andy’s book come to fruition, and we commend him for his hard work and success in creating and promoting books that carry valuable messages for children and highlight the importance our industry places on sustainability.”
CLICK HERE TO BUY WALTER THE WHEELIE BIN & FRIENDS / CLICK HERE TO BUY MR SHUFFLEBOTTOM’S GARDEN ADVENTURE
Workshops, Community Engagement & A New Book Coming Soon
Beyond publishing, Andy is passionate about engaging children directly. He regularly hosts interactive reading workshops in schools, using his stories to spark conversation about recycling and caring for the environment. These workshops have become a popular way to make sustainability fun, memorable, and hands-on.
And the story doesn’t stop here — his third book, Walter’s Football Match, is set for release through the wonderful TAUK Publishing in the new year. This time, the project is endorsed by Tranmere Rovers Football Club, bringing a local sporting twist to his eco-friendly universe.
CLICK HERE TO BUY WALTER THE WHEELIE BIN & FRIENDS / CLICK HERE TO BUY MR SHUFFLEBOTTOM’S GARDEN ADVENTURE
Buy The Books For Your Children
Mr. Shufflebottom’s Garden Adventure and Walter the Wheelie Bin & Friends are available now on Amazon and eBay, with the third book on its way soon. With creativity, passion, and a strong commitment to environmental education, Andy Hickin is helping shape a greener future — one storybook at a time.
CLICK HERE TO BUY WALTER THE WHEELIE BIN & FRIENDS / CLICK HERE TO BUY MR SHUFFLEBOTTOM’S GARDEN ADVENTURE
