Children’s Books

Tales from Erika’s Garden by Helena Ancil

Tales from Erika’s Garden (Snuffle Books 2020) and More Tales from Erika’s Garden (Snuffle Books 2021) are collections of illustrated stories for young children with a love of cats and kittens, chickens and ducks, all of which may be found in a country garden in the south west of England. Erika, a lover of plant life and nature, told the author that she worked in her garden to keep fruit, vegetables and flowers always at hand. Erika also has had a number of cats, that have taken up residence with her. The stories follow the lives of ‘Bluesey the cockerel’, ‘Goldie’ - a show champion hen, Indian Runner ducks and cats ‘Homer’ and ‘Lulu’. They come from the surrounding area to congregate in Erika’s garden to observe the strange developments being carried out by the humans there. Both books are on sale at www.facebook.com/ TalesFromErikasGarden, in Book Stop, Tavistock, and audiobooks narrated by Helena are available at Google Play/ Apple Books.

Review by Readings with CCR The Tales from Erika’s Garden books are a lovely collection of stories, brought to life by the animals inhabiting an east Cornwall village garden. Helena Ancil’s characters include talking ducks, chickens, cats and a cockerel. Each one, with their own well-crafted personality, foibles and fun characteristics. The charming dialogue and storytelling lead the reader (young or old) into a world where you can almost feel the damp of the wet grass and hedgerows. The tales are enhanced by the author’s eye-catching illustrations, which ensure the youngest readers are swept up into the beautiful world of Erika’s garden. If you are a fan of the famous stories of Beatrix Potter you will warm to these tales, written by an author who captures the tempo of West Country village life and articulates the voice of animals in a way that very few authors can achieve.

A Clattering Beneath the

Woods By Sally J. Hubbard

This children’s story is set entirely in the Tamar Valley and has been illustrated by

Ian Pethers, a local artist and member of the

Drawn to the Valley group of artists. The original painting used as the cover is inspired by the woods at Cotehele. The story draws on the historical, mining history of the valley and the beauty of the area. The main character, Polly, loves the valley and her ability to notice things around her leads her to meet the highly secretive, subterranean community of treacle miners who have mined the Tamar Valley for centuries.

Review by Get Kids into Books The book is beautifully written with wonderful descriptions of the woods and the natural world. I was transported there in my mind and the place seemed almost magical. I think my absolute favourite description was of the secret harbour. Sally described it so vividly that I could picture it very clearly: the jetties, the moorings, the barrels and the coiled ropes, and – best of all – the tiny house, partly built into the stone wall. I especially loved the secret underground world – the home beneath the tree and the community of people going about their lives hidden from the world above. The descriptions of homes among the tree roots and characters foraging for food in the forest reminded me of two much-loved books from my childhood: Wind in the Willows and the Brambly Hedge series. Throughout the book there are important themes of mindfulness and nature – often running parallel with each other. Polly takes time to stop and notice her surroundings; she finds peace and takes comfort in the natural world. There are also important messages about conservation and the threat of habitat destruction.