A tiny adventure with a big heart-discover the secret magic of the garden compost heap!
When thunder shakes Old Oak Wood, and rain washes away their snug burrow, a family of shrews must leave the only home they've ever known. Guided by the adventurous and spirited Pip, the family embarks on a journey that leads them far beyond the forest floor and into the mysterious world of a garden compost heap.
This isn't just a pile of leaves, it's a bustling miniature city! As Pip and his family explore, they discover a world filled with wriggling worms, earthy "secret" smells, and a cast of industrious new friends. But what is making that curious scritch-scratch sound deep inside the mound? Join Pip on a gentle, rhyming journey of adaptation, discovery, and friendship as the shrews learn how to belong in their new environment and discover the vital role they play in helping the garden grow.
Why parents, teachers, and young readers love this book:
- Ecology and Nature: A perfect introduction to composting and "nature's recyclers." Children will learn how teamwork between animals and tiny organisms helps the earth stay healthy.
- Dyslexia-Friendly Design: Specifically printed in a high-readability, dyslexia-friendly font with clear spacing to support confident reading for every child.
- Social-Emotional Learning: A heartwarming story about overcoming change, moving to a new home, and finding courage in the face of the unknown.
- Rhyming Prose: Engaging, rhythmic text that is perfect for reading aloud in classrooms or at bedtime.
Perfect for fans of nature-focused classics like The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Diary of a Worm.
This beautifully illustrated picture book is a must-have for families, school libraries, and anyone who loves stories about animals, ecology, and the magic of new beginnings. Whether used as a teaching tool for environmental science or a cosy story for animal lovers, Pip's journey reminds us that even the smallest creatures can make a world of difference.
Anastasiou, Mary: - Mary Anastasiou is an accomplished children's book author and editor who has dedicated her career to inspiring a love of reading in young audiences. A creative rebel, chocoholic, and shoe lover, she is passionate about crafting and polishing engaging narratives that gently support children on their journey to becoming big people. Through her collaborative editing work, Mary helps authors bring much-needed warmth, depth, and wonder into the world of children's literature.
Bondarenko, Oxana: - Oxana Bondarenko is an international children's book illustrator who loves exploring the delicate worlds born of the interplay between fantasy and reality. She is deeply drawn to visual storytelling, creating illustrations filled with rich atmosphere, deep emotion, and careful attention to detail. For Oxana, every book is a unique journey where the artwork becomes a seamless continuation of the story, bringing warmth and wonder to young readers.
de Jonge, Floor: - Floor de Jonge is a children's book author who finds wonder in gardens, small creatures, and new beginnings. Living in the Swiss village of Gächlingen, she draws endless inspiration from the hidden helpers and wildflowers just outside her door. As a mother of seven, she fields a daily whirlwind of questions, laughter, and curiosity, crafting stories that are tried and tested by her own favourite audience at home. Her delightful rhyming picture book, Scritch-Scratch, What's That Batch?, invites young readers to celebrate nature, friendship, and the wonderful, quiet adventures unfolding right beneath our feet.
