Colin Dann was way ahead of his time when he wrote this - today, the children's book market is flooded with stories of animals threatened by the activity of humankind, but 'The Animals of Farthing Wood' was written nearly 40 years ago! The animals, despite their differences, work together to escape their beloved but threatened woodland and travel across the countryside, with its many perils, to try and reach a rumoured Nature Reserve. Twists and cliffhangers abound as the animals face external threats (rivers and motorways to be traversed, fire, farmers and pesticides), as well as mutiny within the ranks Fox and Badger are trying to lead. In it all, Dann champions the best kind of leadership, faithfulness in friendships, and the equality of all the animals, from the greatest to the smallest. It's a heartening tale of courage, loyalty, and keeping going at all costs in the pursuit of a dream. It's a classic for a reason!