Publisher's Synopsis
Marylyn Wheat is a lady who has a very astute feeling for all different parts of nature. In this, her first published work she has written a children's book that is at face value a rich and colourful story of the animals in a certain part of the countryside called "Cowslip Corner.";If you look beyond the strong storytelling there are more layers to be noticed. The first being the danger that man causes to wild animals and their habitats. There are the badger baiters who are chased away by the children who live in the area and also the issue of rubbish left behind by people who visit the area for picnics.;The second being the moral side of the tales which are never thrust at you to detract from the enjoyment of the stories but the underlying message is always very clear. That message is follow the country code and if you don't know it keep reading and it will be explained to you.;Throughout the whole book there is an ever present feeling of all the animals helping each other to eat, sleep and indeed survive. From Freddy the frog showing Dainty the deer where the lush grass to eat is to Freda the Field mouse showing Harry the hedgehog where to sleep safely. But while Freddy the frog was jumping about Kenny Kingfisher wasn't around so he was safe. There is always a balance portrayed to all the situations which shows that while some animals help each other there are some higher up the food chain who need to be looked out for, thus giving the child reader a healthy respect for nature's way.;Schools and playgroups can use this book to teach their little ecologists how to respect the animals and countryside around them by simply reading them this entertaining group of stories. Learning is always more fun if you don't know you are being taught.
