Peter and the Little People by David J. O’Brien
As a child I was sure there were fairies near the lily of the valley clusters and bluebells that grew wild in the back yard and as an adult I have felt someone watching me while reading in the olive groves. I have never been as lucky as Peter who sees and gets to meet Little People but I would have loved to have been so lucky.
Peter and his family often spend holidays on his grandmother’s farm. Gemma, a nearby neighbor of his grandmother, and peter get together one summer to go find a badger sett. They discuss wildlife and their habits then settle in to wait for the badgers. Lo and behold they do not see badgers but on that first visit they cite something much more wonderful – Little People.
As the story unfolds friendships are made between the children and the Little People as they discuss history, the land and the creatures that have inhabited the land. A threat is discovered by Peter and he begins to worry wondering if a solution can be found that will allow all to have a happily ever after.
This story teaches as it entertains. I believe it is a book that would be well received as a bedtime story for younger children or fun for older children to read on their own.
Thank you to the author for the copy to read in exchange for my honest opinion.