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Finding Hope

Book Synopsis

The first book in a warm and beautifully observed farm adventure series from Nicola Baker, star of Our Farm in the Dales. Perfect for readers 8+ and fans of Jacqueline Wilson, Michael Morpurgo, Dick King Smith and The Snow Foal. With stunning illustrations from Rachael Dean throughout.

When ten-year-old Ava moves to Whistledown Farm while her parents are working abroad, she must swap city life for mud, wellies and animals. But as one catastrophe follows another, will Ava learn to love life on the farm and find hope in nature? And can a very special little lamb show Ava that when all might seem lost, hope can be found…

Our Review Panel says...

Ava is struggling with the fact her parents have left her with her Auntie Kitty, Uncle John and cousin Tom. She understands the work they do is important and she couldn’t go with them but she is apprehensive about spending the time on a farm. Ava is used to living in a town and doesn’t know anything about farming. Ava decides to try her best and help out as much as possible while she is there. As she is starting to learn about farm life she finds a lamb that she is worried about. She decides to take it to the farmhouse to keep us safe. Ava names the lamb ‘Hope’. She spends the rest of her time at the farm doing everything she can to help home, complete chores and get to know her cousin Tom. Tom doesn’t know Ava and gives her a hard time about her lack of knowledge when it comes to farming. Ava feels all alone and that Hope is her only friend. The story ends with Ava having noticed some strange things are happening on the farm. She tries to tell Tom but he doesn’t believe her and it ends with Ava stopping a serious crime but losing Hope in the process.

This book gives a real insight into farming life and what life would be like on a farm for children. It goes through the highs and the lows of caring for animals in detail. The illustrations in this book help to bring everything to life. A brilliant read.

Finding Hope

finding hope

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