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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 1h

Mr Croc, the distinguished explorer, looks back on his early years: "Some days, I'll admit, Buster found conditions a little tough going..." (Upbeat sandwich wrapper sketch-of-the-day to help you on your way.😃👍🏼)

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Mr Croc, the distinguished explorer, looks back: "Oh DO try to keep up," proclaimed Mrs Arkwright as she dived. "No need for that silly plane now that these perfectly decent parachutes have arrived in the post!" (Upbeat sandwich wrapper sketch-of-the-day to help you on your way.😃👍🏼)

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Mr Croc, the distinguished explorer, looks back on his early years: "Don't just stand there," exclaimed Mrs Arkwright. "Seize a couple more snakes to make a rope, then haul me out!" (Upbeat sandwich wrapper sketch-of-the-day to help you on your way.😃👍🏼)

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Mr Croc, the distinguished explorer, looks back on his early years: "Pull yourself together!" said Mrs Arkwright. "OF COURSE you can quickly learn to fly!" (Upbeat sandwich wrapper sketch-of-the-day to help you on your way.😃👍🏼)

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

"True friendship is about sticking close together... despite everything!" Upbeat sandwich wrapper sketch-of-the-day to help you on your way.👍🏼😀 (This one from a while ago, as I'm touring schools with my exciting new book, NINE TIMES I NEARLY DIED)

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

"And now Mr Croc will demonstrate our means of transportation through the swamp." Upbeat sandwich wrapper sketch-of-the-day to help you - and daughter Beatrice - on your way. 👍🏼😀 (This one an oldie - I'm presently on a lovely school tour with my book NINE TIMES I NEARLY DIED)

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

The distinguished explorer Mr Croc looks back to his early years: "One way or other, with Mrs Arkwright on board, exciting times lay ahead..." (Sandwich wrapper sketch-of-the-day to help you - and daughter Beatrice and son Freddie- on your way👍🏼😃)

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

"Bandit, quick! There's someone in need of your special rescue service!" Upbeat sandwich wrapper of the day, to help you on your way. (This one from a while ago, as I'm off promoting my exhilarating children's book, NINE TIMES I NEARLY DIED👍🏼😀)

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

The distinguished explorer Mr Croc looks back on his early years: "Before setting out on our next daring adventure, we tried hiding from the formidable Mrs Arkwright. It did no good..." (Upbeat sandwich wrapper of the day, to help you in your way👍🏼😃)

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Mr Croc, the distinguished explorer, looks back: "Unfortunately, what Buster hadn't reckoned on was Mrs Arkwright's top running speed. One way or other, it looked like she was accompanying us on our next adventure..." (Upbeat sandwich wrapper sketch-of-the-day to help you on your way)

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

The distingued explorer Mr Croc looks back... "And so we were off again - the only hold-up being when Buster stole one too many vanilla ice creams - and met his match in Mrs Arkwright." (Upbeat sandwich wrapper-of-the-day to help you - and daughter Beatrice - on your way.👍🏼😃)

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

The distinguished explorer Mr Croc remembers... "Somehow, we had made it ashore at last - and as the weather had turned out nice again, just time for a bit of sunbathing..." (Upbeat school sandwich wrapper sketch-of-the-day, to help daughter Beatrice on her way.👍🏼😃)

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

A ray of hope for humans... Something very pleasing about seeing one of these driverless cars being thwarted in Soho the other day. It was brought to a permanent and ignominious standstill by all the pedestrians darting in front of it, the way Londoners are wont to do. 👍🏼

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

"At last we were ashore - and I, for one, was ready for a brand new adventure!" (Upbeat school sandwich wrapper of the day, to help my daughter Beatrice on her way...)👍🏼😀

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Meanwhile, somewhere in the Pacific, two castaways are attempting to make their escape... "Oh I do wish you'd relax for once, Buster. What are a few sharks when there's a beautiful sunrise like this?" (Upbeat sandwich wrapper sketch-of-the-day to help you on your way.👍🏼😃)

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Reposted by Benedict Allen

Stephen Frost @sfrost.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

😔“In 2005, about 7.5% of the UK’s front gardens were paved; by 2025 that had risen to 55%” “… changing paved gardens back to grass could reduce night-time temperatures by as much as 0.5C, and adding trees would double the benefit”

theguardian.com

Weatherwatch: Paving over front gardens is leading to hotter nights

Changing paved areas to grass and planting trees can reduce urban heat island effect by as much as 1C, study shows

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

"There are those who dream - and those who ACT on their dreams to make them happen..." Upbeat sandwich wrapper sketch -of-the-day to help you on your way.👍🏼😃 (This one from a year ago as I'm away encouraging my own children to be explorers!)

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Palm Oil Detectives | #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroos 🦘🧡 can leap 9 metres, descend 18 metres to the ground without injury. These bouncy #marsupials of #PapuaNewGuinea 🇵🇬 deserve safety from #palmoil #mining #deforestation! #Boycottpalmoil 🌴⛔️ #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect.bsky.social palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/26/g...

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Petra Michaela @petramichaela.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

I want children to know what it feels like to catch tadpoles in a stream,climb a tree,hear frogs after the rain and watch butterflies drift across a meadow. I want more parks, more hiking trails, more protected wilderness and more places where nature is left alone simply because it deserves to exist

static.klipy.com

Lush Green Forest River Landscape

ALT: Lush Green Forest River Landscape

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

"What if you just talked to your children..."

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The Tennessee Holler @thetnholler.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Navalny, in prison: “I don’t for a second regret it… the only thing we should fear is we’ll surrender our homeland to be plundered by a gang of liars, thieves & hypocrites. That we will surrender without a fight, voluntarily, our own future and the future of our children.”

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Sophie Carr @sophiecarr.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

What a fine image from @msriffle.bsky.social 🥰

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Feel a bit down in the dumps? Solution: give a loved one a lovely surprise! Upbeat sandwich wrapper sketch-of-the-day to help you on your way.👍🏼😃 (This one from a while ago, as I'm on my hols.)

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Restless at night in the Summer heat? Or just need a little holiday reading? A solution is at hand: "OVERNIGHT: journeys, conservations and stories after dark" - a wonderfully eloquent and tender book about night time that I've discovered, by the brilliant Dan Richards. @canongate.co.uk

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

"Life finds a way..." (A tree is left to thrive on a stone-tiled roof - in Brač, Croatia, where I now am.)

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

"Sometimes in life you just know you've chosen the right leader..." Upbeat sandwich wrapper sketch-of-the-day to help you on your way. 👍🏼😃 (This from a little while ago, as I'm on my hols.)

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Alison Lear @aslear.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

‘We read to know we are not alone.’ - C. S. Lewis There is no better companion than a book 💚📗📖

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

"Got all our essential supplies? Then... OFF WE GO!" Upbeat sandwich wrapper sketch of the day, to help you on your way.👍🏼😃 (This one from a few months back, as I'm off on my family hols at the mo.)

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Always important to lead by example... Upbeat sandwich wrapper of the day, to help you on your way. 👍🏼😃 (Presently on my hols., so here's one from a while back. Meanwhile, wishing all those of good will a happy time away, this Summer.)

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Alison Lear @aslear.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

My next read … 📖 ‘On Thin Ice An Explorer’s Memoir Of Siberia, Surveillance And Survival’ By @cwexplore.bsky.social I absolutely love Charlie’s work, and his previous books, so really looking forward to this one. Copies @stanfordstravel.bsky.social where it’s their Book of the Month!! 🙌📘🧊

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

A leader in the field...👍🏼🌍

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

'A sprained ankle, dodgy knee or iffy tummy? When you've got the best of friends in your gang, no problem!' Upbeat sandwich wrapper sketch-of-the-day to help you on your way.👍🏼😃 (This oldie I like simply because it depicts a sort of unlikely triumph of optimism!)

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

"And now - watch carefully! - all you do is explain to the snake that you've got a much bigger and JUICIER sister or brother it could eat instead..." Upbeat sandwich wrapper sketch-of-the-day to help you on your way. 👍🏼😃 (An oldie from a year ago - complete with handy survival tip!)

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

From time to time, it's important to celebrate even the littlest of triumphs in life... Upbeat sandwich wrapper sketch-of-the-day to help you on your way.👍🏼😃 (This one a personal favourite from a while ago)

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Thinking of the loss to us of actor Sam Neill... I met him at a 'wrap party' after the completion of a Hollywood film years ago and was so struck at the time by the interest he took in all those gathered around him. A genuine listener. 👍🏼

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

From time to time we ALL need a little extra something to get us going... Upbeat sketch-of-the-day to help you on your way.😃👍🏼 (This one s personal fav. from a while ago)

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

KEYS TO RESILIENCE- stuff I've picked up over many years isolated in remote terrain: "There are old pilots and bold pilots but no old bold pilots." Something my father, a Vulcan test pilot, would have said re recklessness. (Meanwhile, fledgelings pre first flight - spotted just yesterday...)

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

'And remember, it's important we make our escape in STYLE!' Upbeat sandwich wrapper sketch-of- the-day to help you on your way. 😃👍🏼 (This one a favourite from a while ago)

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Even in the closest of relationships, there has to be a bit of 'give and take...' Upbeat sandwich wrapper sketch-of-the-day to help you on your way! 😃👍🏼 (This one an Oldie that I've just spotted from a couple of years ago)

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Jacqui Sydney 📚 @jacquisydney.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

A fabulous selection of real-life adventure stories, Nine Times I Nearly Died by @benedictallen.bsky.social is full of excitement and danger for budding explorers and perfect for Y4 upwards. Out now from @walkerbooksuk.bsky.social worldssmallestlibrary.wordpress.com/2026/07/09/n...

worldssmallestlibrary.wordpress.com

Nine Times I Nearly Died by Benedict Allen

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

"So what exactly has Mr Croc found to celebrate THIS time?" Upbeat sandwich wrapper sketch-of-the-day to help you on your way. (This one, another personal favourite from a while back👍🏼😃)

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Spends too much time on the screen, not enough time exploring? Grab a copy for your child (or Godchild or grandchild) now! Heaps of inspiring stuff for the Summer. (Ages 8-13 but frankly gripping tales and fun for anyone) @walkerbooksuk.bsky.social

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

"That's right, Mr Croc! You show him what a little fella can do!" Sandwich wrapper sketch-of-the day to help you on your way. (This one a favourite from a while ago)

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

"You see? We hung on in there as a team - and now the bad times are behind us." Sandwich wrapper sketch-of-the-day to help you on your way! 😃👍🏼 This one a favourite from a couple of years ago.

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Have you - or your child - ever wondered what to put in a survival kit? Or how to build a shelter in the Amazon? If not, then perhaps how to escape the World's Most Wanted Man?! Here's some perfect summer reading for adventures of ALL ages! @walkerbooksuk.bsky.social

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Benedict Allen @benedictallen.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Getting by with a little help from your friends... (Upbeat sandwich wrapper sketch-of-the-day to help you on your way. 👍🏼😃 This one a personal favourite from a while back.)

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