Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

Oak and Birch are two young hoglets. They are having so much fun playing in the meadow, jumping into piles of leaves, they quickly lose track of time. The days are getting shorter as autumn is in the air and the darkness of night creeps up very suddenly. Seeing Ollie, the wise old barn owl, makes them realize how late it really is. However, even though Ollie tells them that their mother and sister are worried about them, the two hoglets continue to have their fun. It takes Victor the fox to convince them to return home. He leads them through the meadow and teaches them the importance of informing their parents where they are at all times.

Kevin Richardson’s charming children’s story, Tales From Book Meadow: The Tale of the Autumn Fall, is the third book in this series. With simple language and quaint watercolor illustrations, this story will appeal to the young reader as well as the young at heart. The plot follows two hoglets as they explore the world around them and learn some valuable lessons about responsibility. Their exploration of the meadow educates young readers about the different things they might see in this protected green space. Like the classic tales of Beatrix Potter and Gene Stratton-Porter (and others), this series is both enchanting and educational. The series is based on a real sanctuary on the River Ems in southern England with the intent to teach young readers about wildlife and natural settings, while, at the same time, encouraging them to be responsible, not just to the world around them, but also to themselves and those they love. As the author states in his conclusion: “It is always important to let your parents know where you are going and what you are going to do. Always arrange a time to meet somewhere or to be home and don’t be late. Never talk to strangers.” Sage words of wisdom that have been passed down to the younger generation for centuries. I love this series!