Cress Watercress

By Gregory Maguire

Illustrated by David Litchfield

A lavishly illustrated woodland tale with a classic sensibility and modern flair, from the author of the novel Wicked, which inspired the hit musical.

Gregory Maguire turns his trademark wit and wisdom to an animal adventure about growing up, moving on and finding community. When Papa doesn't return from a nocturnal honey-gathering expedition, Cress holds out hope, but her mother assumes the worst. It’s a dangerous world for rabbits, after all. Mama moves what’s left of the Watercress family to the basement unit of the Broken Arms, a run-down apartment oak with a suspect owl landlord, a nosy mouse superintendent, a rowdy family of squirrels and a pair of songbirds who broadcast everyone’s business. Can a dead tree full of annoying neighbours, and no Papa, ever be home? In the timeless spirit of E. B. White and The Wind and the Willows – yet thoroughly of its time – this read-aloud and read-alone gem for animal lovers of all ages features an unforgettable cast that leaps off the page in glowing illustrations by David Litchfield.

Categories: Fiction

For readers aged: 9+

  • Publication details:
  • Format: Hardback
  • ISBN: 9781529507102
  • Published: 01 Sep 2022
  • Price: £10.99
  •  
  • Size: 229 x 152 mm
  • Pages: 224

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Customer reviews

Reviews

'Every now and then, along comes a story with all the hallmarks of a children’s classic… a magical world of animals with an irresistible nostalgic flavour, and fabulous illustrations which leap off the page. […] With the feel of a timeless classic but still retaining a contemporary vibe, this unforgettable and tender meditation on coming-of-age is brought to vivid life by the colour, vibrancy and dynamism of Litchfield’s extraordinary illustrations. A read-aloud or read-alone gem for animal lovers of all ages.' Lancashire Evening Post

'Cress Watercress is a classic in the making and is one of the most stunning books I have ever seen. A wonderful woodland tale full of adventure which will pull on the heartstrings of any reader. Covering themes of loss within the family this book will not only support young readers but educate them about grief too.' Little Blog of Library Treasures

'Full of heart, with some sadness, essentially this is a charming story of moving on, growing up, forming friendships and learning to love, becoming part of a new community and flourishing.' Red Reading Hub

'At times humorous and always touching, this story manages to be both timeless and modern, and would make a wonderful gift for fans of Charlotte’s Web and Wind In The Willows.' My Book Corner

'With Christmas just around the corner, Cress Watercress would make a great present for an animal lover.' Story Snug

'A page turner for all age groups. Attractive colour illustrations of woodland life complement the text.' The School Librarian

'featured in a list of “5 books with animal characters” for the Week Junior.' The Week Junior

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Hardback
£10.99

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