The Little Island; Smriti Prasadam-Hall, illustrated by Robert Starling

A wonderful modern-day fable that raises some big questions and introduces the idea of politics and political issues to young readers.

The animals on the farm live and work together and for the most part they live harmoniously together. But revolt and revolution are in the air and the geese are beginning to think of ways that things could be better. Bridges are set to be broken and friendships on the farm will be fractured. But are the geese really better off alone…

This classic tale is a brilliant example of how the grass is not always greener on the other side. Despite what seems like a pretty good life, the geese are not happy and are sure that things could be improved if they lived on their little island alone and stopped the other animals from coming to ‘their’ part of the farm. But when they destroy the bridge that connects the island to the rest of the farm they quickly learn how much the other animals contributed and that they actually need them in order to thrive. This is no more evident when the sly foxes pay the geese a visit and the geese cry out for help, and of course it is the other animals that come to their rescue - luckily animals don’t hold a grudge! Ultimately this book has the happiest of endings as all the animals are reunited and the geese have learnt their lesson.

The lesson for the geese and readers, there is strength in togetherness and we thrive when we are part of a community. The book explores many issues; friendship, unity, community, the strength of numbers, and how the small contributions to society that we all are what makes the ‘big’ society function effectively.

Delightful colourful illustrations help tell the story and the story itself is full of warmth, charm and is a great deal of fun. Sure to delight many a young reader.

Recommended for 5+.