A New Friend

The Animals of Farthing Wood

by Mary Risk

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fox and Vixen go hunting. Fox tells Vixen about his friends and how he lost them, while Vixen tells him about the Fox hunts that happen in the area. Fox and Vixen meet the Big Owl, who informs him that he spoke with the Farthing Wood Owl. With his guidance, the pair quickly locate the trail of the other animals and set off in pursuit.

Elsewhere Mole, unbeknownst to Badger, has 'lost his transport' as the Farthing Wood animals climb a steep hill out of the woodland. Later the Foxes reach the point where Toad's homing instinct led the animals astray and split up to investigate both scent trails. Vixen follows the trail leading back to the river, but soon realises it is the wrong path and decides to rejoin Fox. However, a fox hunt picks up her scent and starts chasing her through the wood. Fox, hearing the hunt, bravely attempts to rescue her, before running into his friends on the hill. Vixen nearly meets her end, until Adder strikes out at the Master's horse, and the hunt is called off. Knowing that Fox tried to save her, Vixen happily agrees to become his mate, and the Farthing Wood animals make a new friend.