Finding Hope

While her parents are in America on a work trip, 10-year-old Ava stays with her Aunt Kitty, Uncle John and cousin Tom on their rural sheep farm, which couldn’t be more different from her own urban lifestyle. Despite initial reservations, Ava is surprised to discover that she really enjoys farm life.

When she finds an abandoned, newborn lamb in one of the fields, she’s worried it might die, so takes it back to the farmhouse. Ava names the lamb Hope and, with Aunt Kitty’s guidance, does everything she can to nurse it back to health. As her confidence increases, Ava helps out more around the farm, but is devasted when she makes a careless mistake which has catastrophic consequences.  

This heart-warming tale for junior readers is the first in a new series. Enhanced by charming black-and-white illustrations, the story is beautifully written, with wonderful descriptions of the animals and countryside setting.

The novel skilfully explores themes of trying to fit in, the value of understanding other people’s perspectives and the importance of knowing when to seek help. There is also an intriguing thread of mystery running throughout the narrative, which readers will enjoy trying to solve.