Publisher's Synopsis
Summer Brook Spring is the first book in a cosy series for kind and curious young readers who love books, animals and best friend adventures. 10-year-old Freya Patel think it is RUBBISH her family are living at Summer Brook Farm, her Gran's farm in Australia, for a year. It is so far away from everything she knows, and all her friends at home in London. Emma Lloyd is excited to have a girl her own age living next door to the dairy farm that has always been her home. But can a country girl be friends with a girl from a big city on the opposite side of the planet? When Maisie the cow gets in trouble, Freya and Emma must join forces to save her little calf. Life can be hard, even when you're a kid. It doesn't matter who you are, or where you were born, there will always times when you are afraid or sad. When times are tough, it's the people around you that make things better, as Freya and Emma discover on their adventures together at Summer Brook Farm. Whether it's helping a sick cow, facing bushfires or protecting wildlife, they learn that when people help each other out, it makes everything seem better.Join the Summer Brook Besties as they learn about friendship, curiosity and community, in a place where life isn't easy, but the people are kind. Coming soon: Book 2 BUSHFIRE CHRISTMASFIRST REVIEWS"A purely delightful book about an 11 year old who has to move from England to Rural Australia. I adored the way the authentic view of Australia, it's landscape, and hardships wrapped around me like a familiar blanket. Not only is the landscape beautiful, but the writing is rich in description and emotion. The view point of Freya was so spot on and memories from my own child hood flooded back from her perspective and way of seeing the world around her." Neen Cohen"Titbits of information are woven into the story, providing insights about how it might feel to experience Australia as a newcomer. The pictures are delightful. This book is a wonderful introduction to the series, with questions left unanswered, compelling the reader to stay tuned for the next instalment. An enjoyable read!" Carrie Molachino"This is a beautiful story, of exploration, friendship and rural Australian farm life. Enjoyable read, looking forward to the next in the series. My 8 year old son read it. He told me it was 'cool they were on a farm and when can he read the next one?'" Jem McCusker "Summer Brook Spring is an amazing book as it really captures the essence of living in Queensland. I love how the character of Freya is so relatable to me and how the girls are so different yet get along so well. My personal favourite part of the story is when the girls camp out with the calf and its mother. I just find it so heart-warming. Overall it is an amazing book for all ages." Logan (10) When I first started reading this book I could tell that it was going to be one of the best books based in Australia that I have ever read, and it was! I do find it annoying how the father wants to take the Nan back to London though but I would guess you meant us to feel that way about it. I also think Freya is brave for doing the things she did in the first week being there because personally I would never sleep in half a shed with a calf, the calf's mother and a girl I met within the week. Now to recommend this book to all genders, ages 8-12." Taylor (11)
