Farthing Wood The Adventure Begins

There had always been otters in the stream running through Farthing Wood - and that had never been a problem for the other animals before: both sets of animals were happy to leave each other alone. But when there is a shortage of fish in the stream, the otters take to coming ashore for new prey - and that is a problem. Suddenly, the Farthing Wood animals have to compete for food - and they don't like it. Lean Vixen and the others are determined not to starve, and that means deciding on a plan to drive the otters out once and for all . . .

I think you're forgetting something, Adder' said Badger. 'Before we began our journey we all swore an oath, including you.' When bulldozers enter Farthing Wood, the animals must escape before their homes are destroyed. They promise to stick together and protect each other, but their journey is laced with danger. They are caught in a fire, they nearly drown in a river and their loyalty is put to the test. Will their pact hold?

First in a new series of ocean adventures starring four environmentally-hip whales providing values-driven, educational entertainment for kids. -- More than 40 titles planned, with more possible, for an on-going series. -- TV network-interest in a children's animation series based on the books, possible movie deal, and CD-ROM interactive games. -- "Pod Pals" Club with newsletter, premium gifts, exclusive merchandise, and contests. Welcome to the world of the Wonder Whales, where four smart young whales travel the globe to protect their ocean home and the earth for all of us. Although they come from different backgrounds and places, they share a common goal of solving problems with highly creative, non-violent solutions that children will love. Each of the Wonder Whales has a positive motto that matches its nickname taken from its Latin species name. The series focuses on teaching children to expand their appreciation of themselves; each other; their family; education; and the environment. A picture book for younger readers and an educational tool for those aged 9 and up.

Food is scarce in the stream and to survive the otters move to hunting further afield - on fox land - so the feud between the foxes and the otters begins. The foxes decide they must oust the otters from the wood but this spells trouble for ALL the animals who live under the protection from human interference and rare otter community brings.

I think you're forgetting something, Adder' said Badger. 'Before we began our journey we all swore an oath, including you.' When bulldozers enter Farthing Wood, the animals must escape before their homes are destroyed. They promise to stick together and protect each other, but their journey is laced with danger. They are caught in a fire, they nearly drown in a river and their loyalty is put to the test. Will their pact hold?

The first two stories about the Animals of Farthing Wood have been brought together in one, value for money bind-up. In the prequel to The Animals of Farthing Wood, THE ADVENTURE BEGINS we meet an earlier generation of animals whose descendants will make their epic journey from Farthing Wood to White Deer Park. Then read how the animals survived their first and harshest winter away from Farthing Wood in IN THE GRIP OF WINTER.

In the depths of winter, with snow thick on the ground, Badger lies alone and injured. No one knows where he is, and the icy cold is tightening its grip every second. What will happen to Badger? And can the other animals of Farthing Wood survive the harsh cold and piercing hunger that winter has brought?

'I've been looking for him all over the Park. He's just not around any more, Vixen. He's gone.' When Plucky the fox disappears, the other animals soon realise that he isn't the only one missing from the White Deer Park nature reserve. And the Warden, whom the animals have learnt to trust, is responsible! The animals are frightened and confused - and then another threat appears. A stelthy gang of rats, led by the cunning Bully is invading White Deer Park . . .