“The Stealing of Emily captures the raw, gritty reality of a legal system shrouded in secrecy, where innocence is caught in a web of moral complexities and questionable justice. With shades of Huckleberry Finn but with a darker, more unsettling twist, this series explores how hidden legal mechanisms impact families, leaving readers to wrestle with questions of innocence, integrity, and consequence. A compelling journey into the shadowed corners of law, The Stealing of Emily dares to expose truths that others may prefer remain hidden.”
“The Badgers of Bunger Hill” by Martin Newbold has indeed garnered praise for its engaging storytelling, rich themes, and beautifully rendered illustrations. Critics and readers alike appreciate the book’s ability to entertain while weaving in educational messages about nature and conservation.
The story follows a family of badgers living on a small, tranquil hill in Sussex, offering readers a heartwarming tale that blends adventure with valuable life lessons. Themes of family unity, environmental stewardship, and the joys of discovery are explored, making it an excellent book for young readers.
Reviewers have compared its whimsical tone and focus on woodland life to classic works like “The Wind in the Willows” by Kenneth Grahame. Much like that beloved tale, Newbold’s book features well-developed characters and a vivid natural setting that feels alive, fostering a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world.
Furthermore, the illustrations—inspired by the author’s work with Hastings Badger Protection Ltd.—bring the story to life with vibrant, detailed depictions of badgers and their environment, capturing young readers’ imaginations while educating them on the importance of wildlife conservation.
Critics also commend the book for skillfully balancing fiction with educational elements, providing an accessible and enjoyable resource for children to learn about animals and environmental issues while being entertained.
Reedsy
Loved it! 😍
Beautifully written, this is a well-told story about family, faithfulness, conservation, and the ties that bind.
Synopsis
The Badgers of Bunger Hill” is a children’s book that follows the adventures of a family of badgers living on a small hill in Sussex. The family consists of Hunny, the mum; Boris, the dad; their children, Ton, Maleka, Makeba, and Thembi; and their extended family and friends living nearby.
The story begins with the arrival of a mysterious orange and white machine with a long arm, which terrifies Ton and sparks curiosity in the family. As they investigate, they encounter Paul, a wily fox who downplays the danger, but the badgers remain cautious.
Determined to uncover the truth, Ton, Maleka, and Makeba set out on an adventure, discovering tracks in the mud that lead them to a dark underground cavern. As they navigate the treacherous terrain, the ground begins to shudder, and they witness the appearance of an ancient excavation machine. Thembi, their older brother, joins them in their quest to find answers and protect their home.
Badgers aren’t usually known for being warm and fuzzy. Or for their sweet and mild temperament. But this charming children’s story turns the tables on “badgers as usual” as it introduces readers to a quartet of badger siblings who deploy courage, commitment, kindness and loyalty in order to solve a mystery and save their home. In the process, badger siblings Malika, Makeba, Thembi and Ton take readers on a rip-roarin’ adventure into the Emerald Forest that’s packed with mischief, mystery, and danger.
Located in Sussex, Bunger Hill is the home of mum Hunny and dad Boris Badger as well as siblings Makeba, Thembi, Ton, and their extended families and friends. When their idyllic hill is invaded by a strange and terrifying machine, the young badgers are certain a monster is upon them! They’re scared. But Mum says they’ll figure things out together, as a family.
Determined to find out who the is invader is and what it’s doing in Bunger Hill, the badger siblings forge “bonds stronger than steel” as they unite in “their pursuit of the unknown and the boundless wonders” that await on the other side of the hill.
They’re soon neck-deep in their quest to uncover the truth behind the mysterious mechanical creature and the disappearing woodland. But the answers the young badgers seek may come at a price. Danger lurks in unseen forces. Their courage and determine will be put to the test. They must also rely on each other to uncover the truth about what’s going on in Bunger Hill and why. Questions swirl. Who’s the mastermind behind the operation? What’s up with Paul, the wily fox? Poised on the brink of uncovering a “sinister plot” that threatens both their forest and “the very fabric of their world,” can the siblings come up with a plan to thwart the nefarious scheme before it’s too late?
This is such a fun read! Beautifully written, the story skims along briskly as each chapter glides smoothly into the next. I loved the way the badgers think through and come up with a plan and are determined to find evidence and incriminating documents in order to stop the sinister scheme. I also loved how the badgers work together to plant new trees, repair damaged habitats and restore balance to the ecosystem.
Themes of conservation, exploitation, betrayal, corruption, families, courage and determination abound. There’s also vigilance. Teamwork. Trust. Camaraderie and commitment. An unlikely ally appears. And that’s all I’m going to say about that. To find out more, you’ll have to read the book yourself. Now would be good.
A lithe and nimble read drenched in adventure, the Badgers of Bunger Hill will resonate with fans of The Chronicles of Narnia and The Borrowers. Ditto anyone who enjoys a well-told story about family, faithfulness, conservation, and the ties that bind. And the cover art? Well. Who can resist that? Kudos!
