A House in the Woods

A lovely book! Inga Moore’s illustrations are always a delight, with their combination of old-world soft-focus images, sympathetic interpretation of the characters, and a good pinch of humour – the elegant, languid Moose is particularly delightful.

When Bear and Moose unexpectedly move into the two little Pigs’ homes while their owners are out one day, they unwittingly destroy them. The friends agree that they need a new home, big enough for them all, and engage the Beavers to build it for them. The payment, in peanut butter sandwiches, is made and we see both the Beavers and the friends in their splendid wooden houses.

There’s lots for young readers to discover and discuss in the illustrations, with a lovely message of friendship and helpfulness.