For the animal and bird lovers out there, here are two lovely books. I don’t use that term lightly. They really are an absolute delight and suitable for any age, really they are.
Let’s start with two owls. Yes, that’s right, owls.
Jonathan Franklin was told of two orphan owls shortly before he was due to return to school. Of course he adopted them, and there he was a dad aged 16. Off they went to Eton, the three of them. Tweedledum and Tweedledee were accepted by Jonathan’s housemaster, who seems to have been a pretty close facsimile to Mr Chips.
Two Owls at Eton was written by Jonathan Franklin in 1960 , but has just been updated. It is a classic as Dum and Dee lead their dad on a merry dance, pretty much like any toddler. Destruction was the name of the game, and food, provided by ‘dad’ in the form of mice, liver, and all sorts, often with the support of other boys, and of course, the housemaster. It was always Jonathan’s intent to bring them up until they were able to leave home, and fend for themselves. Ho hum.
Well, yes, they do leave, but much like our kids, there are the trips home, not quite with the washing, but a meal is always a good idea. A lovely book, kind and empathetic. I didn’t know owls can’t move their eyes, only their heads.
Two Owls at Eton John Blake Publishing hb. £9.99
Another to wring the withers is
A Friend for Life, with a foreword by Paul O’Grady MBE
This is a collection of true stories of love and rescue from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. I am not allowed to help at any rescue centres because I would bring them all home. We have a Cavachon, a Cockerpoo, (more cock than poo) and a rescue British Blue cat. I would have more. Him indoors has put up the barricades.
These stories are moving, gentle, and optimistic as cats and dogs are taken into their ‘forever’ homes, and quite clearly heal their owners, just as much as they are healed. But that is no surprise, it’s what animals do.
There are battles of wills as these animals, who have not had the best start in life, learn to behave and enjoy a loving but firm environment. You’ll just love it.
A Friend for Life. Penguin £6 99
Two books for the Christmas stocking, but do read them first .Or ask Santa to give you a copy of each.