The Hare Who Wouldn’t Share

Hare lives on his own and grows turnips. When a family of rabbits move in to the other side of the woods, they ask if he has any turnips that he can share, but he sends them away, saying he doesn’t like to share with anyone. One day, when out walking, he notices that the rabbits have grown a lovely patch of carrots which they invite him- and other animals from the wood- to share. He refuses, but when a huge boar threatens to destroy all their hard work, Hare is determined to help them.

With a wonderful message about the importance of sharing, ‘The Hare Who Wouldn’t Share’ is perfect for developing conversations about community and working together. Hare believes that he is happy- he grows his own turnips, working hard for himself and keeping all his produce. When he sees the rabbits sharing the results of their hard work with the other animals, it gives him plenty to think about. Why when they have so little would they want to give away so much? The story offers plenty of opportunity for role play and hot-seating activities to help children explore and understand the feelings of different characters at different points in the book. The conclusion is just perfect with Hare coming to realise the benefits of being part of a community, of sharing and working with others.

The illustrations are utterly adorable. Each character is bursting with personality and there is so much to notice and enjoy in every picture, making this a book to return to again and again! One for every bookshelf!

The Hare Who Wouldn’t Share

Steve Small

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398522299

The Great Farm Rescue

Hannah and her family are facing tough times again as their landlord is threatening them with eviction and dad has had an accident. But Hannah is determined to save the farm once again by raising the money to buy it. Her family and friends rally round to support the endeavour, but how on earth will they raise over two million pounds?

This is the third story about Hannah and her wonderfully eccentric and loveable family. Every bit as enjoyable as the first two (‘The Secret Hen House Theatre’ and ‘The Farm Beneath the Water’), ‘The Great Farm Rescue’ pulls the books to a joyful conclusion, but could easily be read as a stand alone story.

When I was little, we used to stay on a farm in Devon where we helped to collect the eggs, feed the chicken and bring the cows in for milking. I am sure that my brothers and I were a far greater hindrance than a help, but we adored these holidays and still talk about them to this day. ‘The Great Farm Rescue’ captures all the joy we experienced on the farm, but Helen Peters cleverly weaves the problems faced by tenant farmers into the story, showing the reality of farming life and encouraging empathy and understanding in readers.

One of the greatest joys of this book is that it depicts a very real family with all their messy feelings and relationships, differences and quirks, but also the strong bond of love which means they are prepared to support each other and work together to save the home which they all love. Each family member is beautifully drawn, full of personality, and thoroughly endearing, and they all feel like old friends by the end of the book!

As well as trying to save the farm, Hannah has also landed her dream part as Hermia in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and she finds herself acting alongside Miranda, who she has previously had problems with. The enmity between the two girls is well handled, with tension building until things reach crisis point for Hannah. The final conclusion to this part of the story is both satisfying and realistic.

‘The Great Farm Rescue’ is a wonderfully warm and ‘wholesome’ story- I mean this in a really positive, way. It’s not sugary sweet, but good things do happen to good people and the combined power of community, friendship and a love of nature make great things happen. Brilliant story, beautifully written!

The Great Farm Rescue

Helen Peters

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805131175

You can read my review of ‘Anna at War’ here, ‘Evie’s Ghost’ here and ‘Friends and Traitors’ here.

The Magician’s Daughter

Since Abby’s mum died, her father has been struggling with his magic act. After yet another disastrous show, he decides to give it all up and take a job as a carer in a home. However, when Abby finds an old book containing spells in her grandmother’s trunk, things change, not only for them, but for the whole community.

This is such a joyous story which adds a touch of magic to the everyday, resulting in a warm-hearted, spell-binding tale. For me, it was a one-sitting read- impossible to put down!

Abby and her father have such a close, warm relationship, full of understanding and love. When Abby discovers the magic contained in the spells in the book, they instantly decide to share the wonder and delight with those around them. Completely content with what they have, they want to share this with their community and friends.

Myra is Abby’s best friend and the story also sees her struggle personally and then learn to believe in herself and her abilities. I really don’t want to spoil the story for anyone who hasn’t read it yet, but this is such an important and beautifully handled thread. Inter-generational relationships are also skilfully explored.

Illustrated throughout by George Ermos, ‘The Magician’s Daughter’ is an absolute delight- don’t miss it!

The Magician’s Daughter

Caryl Lewis, illustrated by George Ermos

Macmillan ISBN: 978-1529078169