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Valentine's Day (Peak farm stories) (Peak Dale Farm Stories) ISBN: 9781846470899
Doherty, Berlie and Lewis, Kim
Published by Catnip, 2009
Anna is staying with her Grandpa Bill and Nanny Jean at their farm in the Peak District. She is there because her mum has been in an accident and is seriously ill in hospital. This is a gentle story about the farm, about Anna's relationship with a young and naughty calf called Valentine and about Anna's having to face her fears. Seemingly, those fears are about her having to show Valentine at the local Hope Show in front of lots of spectators, but really, she is also worried about her mum. This is not made explicit, but the implication is there. Nanny Jean is very understanding and shares her own fears with Anna, and in the end, not only do Anna and Valentine come first in the Hope Show, but Anna's mum is able to come out of hospital for the day to see them win. Anna's mum's illness is not exactly central to the story, but it underlies it all. A short, easily read book with large print and lots of charming black and white illustrations.
Age: 5+