Welcome to High Dene Publishing, the creative home of author Mary Bray.
Here you’ll find gentle illustrated children’s stories, imaginative adventures, poetry and reflective writing — all shaped with care, curiosity and a little delightful mischief.
From the magical village of Little Compton and its Scallywags to sleepy dragons, adventurous bears and more reflective journeys through poetry and prose, High Dene is home to stories for both young readers and adults.
Explore the books, meet the characters, discover free children’s activities — and watch out for Splinter. He has a habit of appearing where he shouldn’t.
Discover the Books
Children’s Books
Gentle, richly illustrated stories for young children, filled with friendship, imagination, humour and small adventures.
Little Compton Series
Meet Mozart Bear, Connie Bear, Johnie Badger, Sid Hedgehog, Splinter and the other inhabitants of a quiet village where remarkably unquiet things keep happening.
The Scallywags and the Firewood Harp
All Quiet Again in Little Compton
Meet Snuzzle, Pillowby and a growing collection of small dragons finding their way through bedtime, friendship and the occasional problem with flying.
One Bear, One Breeze, One Bedtime
Poetry and Reflective Writing
Poetry and prose exploring memory, belonging, identity, experience and the ways we make meaning from our lives.
Free Children’s Colouring and Writing Activities.
Download free colouring pages and activities inspired by the characters and worlds of High Dene Publishing. New resources will be added as the collection grows.
Tap the button to visit the Activities Page.
About High Dene Publishing
High Dene Publishing is a small independent creative press and the home of author Mary Bray.It grew from a love of words, storytelling and the freedom to follow an idea wherever it leads. Its books range from illustrated children’s adventures to poetry and reflective prose, but they share the same values: imagination, care, craftsmanship and a willingness to leave room for wonder.Some stories begin with a carefully considered idea.Others begin when a Scallywag presses a button he was specifically asked not to touch.Both are welcome here.
Our Staff.
Sir Hugo Editor- in- Chief
Sir Hugo — Editor-in-Chief
Sir Hugo is High Dene’s Editor-in-Chief, occasional superhero and firm believer in order, tidiness and proper editorial procedure.
He chairs meetings, approves publications and attempts to keep the office under control — a task made considerably more difficult by Splinter.
Tap the button below to visit Sir Hugo’s editorial page
Splinter Junior Mischief Editor
Splinter is the youngest Scallywag from Little Compton. Having escaped from his books, he has now taken up residence on the High Dene website.He attends editorial meetings, interferes with buttons, hides treasures around the site and occasionally contributes something useful.His own corner contains opinions, discoveries, secret stashes and whatever else he has found since breakfast.
Tap the button below to see Splinter’s Corner
Splinters Treasures and Sayings
Find them hidden around the site on different pages. Find an acorn, a sock, a badge or other surprising things tap or click and a secret drawer will open. Try tapping or pressing the cloud.
🌩️🌦️
What does a cloud wear? -“Thunderpants.”