The search for journey’s end

by Evelyn Wood

Like all good stories this one has a beginning, middle and an end – until the next time, of course. It all starts when Clarence the cat, in despair at his thieving ways offers Brownie, a stray dog, the opportunity of a lifetime. “Stop stealing my food and milk and I’ll help you rob the butcher.” This appetising idea forms an unlikely alliance, but the best laid plans of cats and dogs come to nought, until a family of mice rescues them.

Quickly learning the value of co-operation they become a family and set off in search of the land of plenty, where the mouse leader was born. Their adventures involve comedy and fright as they battle elements, and the nature of some other creatures as they search for journey’s end. Some unlikely additions swell the family and help in the search.

Join one of the strangest families ever on an exciting adventure as it determinedly searches for journey’s end.

164 pages, Paperback

Published April 12, 2017

About the author

I am now a member of the Society of Authors, but started writing as a small child. I often got into trouble because, absorbed in my activity, I did not notice a new lesson had started. English, history, nature and art were my favourite subjects. At 13, I passed the exam to go to art school. The focus was on producing commercial artists with endless pressure to concentrate on inanimate still life. My focus was on illustrating my stories. Oddly, no one could explain that still life with its shape, form and shade is a vital foundation. Frustrated, I dropped out deciding to become a farmer instead. Many years later I learned to appreciate and paint still life.

I loved farm life and the animals, but realised if I were ever to own my own farm, still an ambition, I needed money and that meant business. My business career took me to most countries in the world and the privilege of living and working in West Africa, Ukraine, Central Asia (where I met my wife), Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg. Discovering new (to me) flora and fauna in each country added a special excitement.

In 2010 I was diagnosed with cancer and that put an end to my business career. I'm a happy survivor, grateful to be alive and to have a new career. Well two actually. My wonderful wife works and I'm a house husband responsible for washing, ironing cleaning and cooking. I love cooking, especially Indian and Chinese cuisine, fish dishes and pastry. My second career is writing and illustrating and school talks. My series, ‘Exploring with Too Woo' so far has three volumes on Butterflies, Bees and Frogs – more are planned. I like writing for children and giving talks. They ask brilliant questions and enjoy the fact that I give them real information. Years ago I wrote an adventure story, 'The search for journey's end' and thanks to my wife it has finally been published.

Reviews

[Sharah Powell]

As an animal lover I really enjoyed this adventure story about Brownie the dog and friends. This Children's novel, set in the English countryside, features mischievous hedgehogs, a very large family of mice and other loveable creatures. 'The Search For Journey's End' contains illustrations throughout which are also the author's work. I will be reading this to my son when he is a bit older. Thanks to Evelyn Wood for my paperback copy.

[Becky Hodson]

I can imagine this book as a chapter a night bed-time story; the only problem with that scenario is that I know that I wouldn't have slept for curiosity over what happened next.

The story is a well thought out idea, that has been well written. I thought that the characters very clearly had the characteristics of the real-life versions of those animals; the over-excited dog who wants a friend, the aloof cat, the nervous mice etc. There is a lesson to the story, one of friendship despite differences - or because of - that I believe children will pick up on and be open to learning. It also shows the benefits of working together, becoming a family irrelevant of blood ties. That's something that I love; a friend of mine always says that just because you're related to someone by blood it doesn't mean that they are your family, you get to choose who is your real family. This really is what happens here - different types of animals from different backgrounds (domestic and wild) come together and create a new family.

It's definitely worth picking up and reading, so give it a go folks.

**I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway; that doesn't affect my opinion at all**

[Annamarie]

This was an enchanting journey. I was caught up in the characters immediately. The story was fast paced and well conceived. The characters respond with the way we think animals would. But, then a few surprises come along.

There are plenty of twists and turns with a great ending. I think this a great book for parents to read to their children and also for themselves. It is well written and moves along nicely. Highly recommend this book.

[Sam]

I was thrilled to receive a signed copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway! I enjoyed it myself. My child is currently too young for this book, but we will definitely be reading it aloud together a little each night in a few years. I found the book to be engaging, fun to read, and well written. It's a story of adventure, friendship, and discovery.

[Alice]

I was fortunate enough to win this book in a giveaway. I enjoyed reading this book . My niece is going to love reading this childrens book as well . Highly recommend !!