The Happy Hedgerow

BOOK OF THE SEASON Discover The Happy HedgerowSeptember sees the publication of a wonderful new children’s book endorsed by CPRE and celebrating our favourite landscape icon. Elena Mannion’s The Happy Hedgerow is a charmingly positive story, illustrated by talented young artist Erin Brown. CPRE vice president Sir Andrew Motion has called the book ‘a welcome reminder that hedgerows are our greatest nature reserves’ and feels it will encourage children to engage with the rich variety of life on their doorsteps’. It would make the perfect gift for young nature lovers aged four and up. * Countryside Voices (CPRE) *
This is a dramatic story about a hedgerow and Old Oak who live content and fulfilled by the barley field. Then the farmer pulls up the hedgerow, causing birds to flee and the field to be exposed to wind and rain causing soil erosion. This book reminds us all that hedgerows are a great nature reserve and crucial wildlife corridors. Elena Mannion spent most of her childhood playing in fields and therefore it is not surprising that her first book is about the importance of protecting nature. Erin Brown is also a lover of nature and environmental protection. This quite superb children’s book highlights environmental protection and this is an important subject for young children to understand. The poignant story written in lyrical prose and beautifully illustrated should be in every primary school library and used by teachers and parents to educate young children about protecting our hedgerows and nature. Suitable for young children, (reading age 4+) the book is really ageless and will touch the hearts of children, parents and grandparents. -- ENGLISH 4-11 Published by The English Association and the UK Literacy Assocation Spring 2022 edition