Folklore, Friendship and the Turning Year: A Q&A with Al King on The Green Man

When twelve-year-old Albert takes his bike out one misty morning in Lincolnshire, he doesn’t expect to stumble into ancient magic. But deep along a forgotten Roman road, he meets Jack, a green-cloaked wanderer who listens to rivers, speaks to owls, and walks the wheel of the year.

In The Green Man, debut author Al King weaves a tender and timeless tale of folklore, connection, and transformation. As Albert begins to listen to the land – guided by Jack, a watchful buzzard, and a curious vole – he finds not only the roots of ancient stories, but also his own place in the wild world.

Lyrical, reflective and beautifully seasonal, The Green Man is a children’s chapter book with a timeless spirit – perfect for readers who feel most at home with muddy boots, rustling hedgerows, and a touch of quiet magic. We spoke to Al about the inspirations behind the story, his love for the natural world, and what it means to grow up close to the earth.

The Green Man feels like both a quiet adventure and a seasonal odyssey. What first inspired the story and the character of Albert?

Probably on one of my many return trips to the county coming up from the South or East to see Mum in Lincoln. I would usually take the A1 and High Dyke, and once I get past Ancaster, all the childhood memories come flooding back. That combined with a growing connection with nature while living in rural Suffolk.

The character of Jack – the Green Man himself – is rooted in folklore. What drew you to reimagining this ancient symbol in a modern children’s story?

He’s such a cool character and a gateway for folks into nature. He’s a big part of our folklore but doesn’t have the presence he deserves.

Nature is more than a setting in this book – it almost feels like a character in its own right. Did you have a particular place or landscape in mind as you wrote?

Lincolnshire and, more specifically, North and South Kesteven and the Witham valley. The bits I grew up in, basically.

The story follows the cycle of the seasons and introduces elements of ritual and rhythm. How important was it for you to bring those patterns into the book?

Very. Mr Grandad farmed, and on retirement into his bungalow in Bassingham, he and his wife, Doris, spec’d out their dream garden and then lived off the produce that came with the changes of the year. Seasonal fruit and veg, basically.

The animal characters, like Voley and the buzzard, are full of charm. How did you decide what kind of guides Albert would meet on his journey?

I was in the YOC as a kid, and my first pet was a gerbil, so it looks like I've always had a thing for birds and rodents. Voles and buzzards are just particularly cool ones.

Albert starts off as quite an ordinary boy – but his transformation feels powerful. What do you hope readers will take from his journey?

The confidence to believe in themselves. The wonder of nature. The power of the seasons. The joy of a simple rural life. The benefits of a good walk and fresh air.

There’s a gentle, reflective tone to the book. Did you set out to write something more meditative than action-packed, or did it evolve naturally?

I set out to write something meditative. In fact, I was concerned there was not enough action or threat in it. That’s where The Poacher and Old Man Winter come in.

Folklore and environmental connection go hand-in-hand in the story. Do you see stories like The Green Man as a way to help children reconnect with the natural world?

I do hope so. I feel blessed to have grown up in Lincs, and all the kids who live here have this wonderland on their doorstep. Get out and get in it.

When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend time outdoors – and do you have your own ‘Jack’-like moments in nature?

I walk or cycle almost every day where I live on the Suffolk/Norfolk border. I have favourite trees on these routes which I often hug. I’m also on first-name terms with many of the birds that visit the garden.