50 years of Carleton House Prep celebrated with inspiring book release
Carleton House Preparatory School will celebrate its 50th Anniversary with the launch of a third illustrated children’s book featuring their school mascot, Carleton Mouse, with a special in-house event for school children next month.
Carleton House is a Catholic preparatory school in Liverpool, established by a group of parents in 1975. With a school motto of ‘they can because they think they can’, it is a place of growth, discovery, and celebration.
Carleton Mouse and the Hollow House, which launches on Amazon on 27th June 2025, is the product of an exciting collaboration between two Carleton House parents, local author Helen Yoxall Burns and local illustrator, Dr. Jared Burki. Their third book forms part of The Carleton Mouse Book Series – Empowering Our Children. Centred around Carleton Mouse and his furry friend Bluebell the bee, it tells an action-packed, heartfelt, and engaging story of the history of the school, when it was established in 1975.
Following the success of their debut picture book, Carleton’s Motto Saves the Grotto, in November 2022, and its prequel, Carleton and the Christmas Grump, in December 2023, Helen Yoxall Burns and Jared Burki have joined forces once again to launch a third book in the Carleton Mouse series. The series, aimed at empowering children during the trials and tribulations of growing up, is themed around overcoming obstacles and becoming stronger and more confident in navigating childhood.
Helen Yoxall Burns said, “I was honoured to be asked to pay homage to the school mascot, again, during a momentous year of celebrations. It was a delight to delve into the history of the school and put a fun yet meaningful twist onto the origin of it.
Helen added, “Carleton is a miniature mouse who lives alone in a huge hollow house, and he is lonely. He longs for noise, he longs for fun, and mostly, Carleton longs to belong. The message is built around the community of the school, the spirit of the school, and the sense of belonging, which is as strong now as it was back then, in 1975.
Mrs Sandy Coleman, Headteacher of Carleton House Preparatory School, said: “Celebrating fifty years of Carleton House is a momentous occasion, and we are delighted to mark it with the launch of the third children’s book in the Carleton Mouse series. What makes this edition truly special is that the story brings to life the very beginnings of our school – its founding spirit, its sense of belonging, and the values that continue to shape us today. That it has been written and illustrated by two of our own parents speaks volumes about the creativity, commitment, and warmth of our Carleton House family.”
Mrs Coleman added, “I’d like to offer my heartfelt thanks to Helen and Jared for their exceptional talent, time, and generosity in bringing this beautiful tribute to life.”
Jared Burki added, “As a doctor, I am blessed to be able to assist people in their time of need. With my art, I hope to inspire young minds as they explore and experience worlds of wonder.”
In July, a special recording of the story will premiere at a whole school prize night. In line with the parental partnership ethos, school parent Kristina Castellina will read the story, pre-recorded by Moss Creative.
Published by TAUK Publishing, the paperback will launch on Amazon on 27th June 2025. The paperback will retail at £8.99.
Helen concluded, “Carleton House has been inspiring young minds since 1975, and I hope the story inspires its young readers too. Carleton Mouse is a determined mouse with the power to overcome obstacles with self-belief and ambition. Carleton shows his readers how his voice matters, and how with teamwork, determination, and friendship, you can do great things with rhythm and wings!”
For more information on Carleton House Preparatory School, please visit their website at https://carletonhouse.co.uk.
Helen Yoxall Burns is available at [email protected]