Farmer Moon is a children's story addressing how wrong bullying, racism, discrimination and abuse are.
It is written in a child-friendly way, set on the fictional Oak Tree Farm, where Farmer Moon lives with his beloved animals. It tells the story of how a wicked Red Fox pays a visit to the farm as night descends. In the eerie darkness he teases, threatens, bullies and terrorises the animals.
" Who ever saw a cat with only three legs? " snapped Red Fox, as poor Gus limped towards the safety of the farmhouse." He then darts off to the pigsty to taunt the black piglet.
Farmer Moon is distraught when he hears from the animals about the wicked Red Fox s visit the previous night.
When Mick, the wise old sheepdog and the hero of the story, returns to the farm and hears from Farmer Moon about the traumas his animals have experienced, he decides to confront the wicked Red Fox.
That night, as Red Fox returns to have more fun bullying and tormenting the animals, Mick stops him in his tracks. He explains how wrong it is to cause so much upset to the animals or anyone, through his bullying, taunts and threats. Due to Mick s wise words Red Fox shows deep remorse, shame and regret for his wicked deeds.
He promises to mend his ways and with tears running down his face, he tells Mick how sorry he is.
Showing kindness, compassion and forgiveness, Farmer Moon, Mick the sheepdog and all the animals invite Red Fox to live with them at Oak Tree Farm and become part of their family.
Never again did Red Fox return to his bullying and threatening ways and to this day he respects the feelings of others, remembering 'Bullies Never Win!'
Farmer Moon and all the animals embraced their new family member, and how did they celebrate?
Well that s for you to discover!!
Cage, Jeremy: - Jeremy Cage is a children's illustrator whose work brings warmth and personality to every page. His lively farm scenes and expressive animal characters capture the heart of Farmer Moon's message.
Moore, Catherine: - Catherine Moore was a full-time primary school teacher for over twenty years. The majority of her teaching career was spent teaching four to seven-year-old children.A key part of her role was responsibility for the whole school`s personal, social, and health education policy, an important part of the school`s curriculum.It soon became apparent to her that there was very little literature to support young children's learning in this area. In particular there were limited resources regarding anti-bullying, racism, discrimination, abuse, obesity and disability. She felt that what was required, especially for the younger children (four to seven year olds), was something visual and captivating, to support their understanding of subjects that were seldom talked about. Something more than what is 'Right' and 'Wrong'.Her hope is that Farmer Moon and the powerful subject matter it addresses, can be accessed by all primary children and made available in book shops, libraries, schools and all learning environments.
