Customer Reviews: Read 3 more reviews...
 The Animals of Farthing Wood April 2, 2008
When I was a young reader, this book and its sequels were one of the first I picked up. I loved the animated series and jumped right into the novels. If you've seen the series you will notice several differences, most notably the gender changes of some of the characters; in the book the main cast is almost exclusively male, and the series balanced things out a bit. The sequels were treated very differently on television, but the original series treats the novel with the care and grace it deserves.
The writing is difficult to review not because of flaws or unusual style, but because of its simplicity. Dann works hard to maintain a perfect clarity throughout, in terms of the well-constructed characters and the simple yet thoroughly engaging plot. It's an easy read and one the kids will truly adore, and is a wonderfully nostalgic read for myself and many others. If you are an adult and unfamiliar with the series though, you may not find the substance you were looking for in this first book, but you will most likely enjoy the next few instalments in the series.
Concisely planned and well thought out.
Brilliant Book January 13, 2008
10 out of 10 found this review helpful
Who are the main characters? Who is your favourite character and why?
Fox, Vixen, Mole, Badger, Adder, Tawny Owl, pheasant and his mate, Kestrel, the field mice, the voles, the squirrels, Toad, the hare and the rabbits are the main characters. My favourite character is toad because he is the guide showing all the animals which way to go.
What is the basic plot of the book and how does it develop?
The plot of the story is that humans are destroying Farthing Wood and toad finds out about White Deer Park - a nature reserve. Badger and fox call an assembly and all of the animals swear an oath. The have many obstacles on their way to their destination.
How would you describe the atmosphere of the book?
It is rather a bumpy atmosphere because it is problem-filled yet there is sorrow and joy.
What was the most exciting moment in the book?
I think it is exciting when they are trapped in a shed and they are not sure how to get out.
Did this book change the way you thought or felt about anything?
It changed the way I feel about irresponsible humans and how much a few humans do for animals.
Who do you think would like this book?
Anyone aged from about 6 - 100. (And further).
 Basically just a "Watership Down" rip-off June 2, 2007
3 out of 10 found this review helpful
If the plot of this book seems very familiar, that's because it's all been done before - and by a better writer than Colin Dann.
A band of animals have to trek across treacherous countryside in order to reach the safe haven of a new home elsewhere, far from the destructive hands of humans. Yes, that's right: just as the title of this review suggests, this is a third-rate version of Richard Adams's far superior "Watership Down".
Having read both books more than once, both as a youngster and as an adult, I can confidently conclude that an older age group would be better off with "Watership Down", with it's better plot and more interesting characters, and without anywhere near as much of the often tiresome moralising than is found in the "Farthing Wood" series.
Having said all that, the Farthing Wood books are not a bad read, and may be more suitable for children ages 7-9, while older children would find much more to appreciate in "Watership Down".
 A great novel June 10, 2005
11 out of 12 found this review helpful
I as a child, have read the entire collection of "the animals of farthing wood" and found that the first one was very exciting. All the characters are young and full of energy, but as more stories carry on, they have many generations of babies. This is a great adventure about Man destroying animals homes and "Toad"
leading the pack into"white deer park". Many exciting, and sad things happen in the story, and it definitly is one of my top 10 books,
All round the story you'll find something you'll enjoy, so go on read it...
Love this story October 25, 2004
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
This book is timeless. I first watched the animated series when i was a child and then read this book. I absolutly adore it. A must for all animal lovers.
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