By Ash, Oak and Thorn: the perfect cosy read for children, chosen as one of Countryfile's best books of 2021

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Now before the hate mail – or at least comments – start flowing in, let me be clear about something. Modern isn’t necessarily bad. Lots of concepts in neopaganism are modern and they still work just fine. Neopaganism gets some of its significant theology, ³ for example, from Robert Graves book The White Goddess which was published in 1948 and that doesn’t make those things any less valid. Generally these new concepts and ideas are built on older ones just with a new interpretation or understanding. So the idea of a triad of fairy trees may not be much more than a hundred years old, but it obviously is drawn from something else – perhaps the observation that these three trees often grow around holy wells, or perhaps the same thing that inspired Kipling’s poem. In her Note from the Author, she tells us that “ the only creature that’s forgotten how to communicate with the Wild World is we humans.” Thankfully her tone is never preachy or overtly political; she makes her views known clearly and firmly and you are never in doubt as to where she stands. I suspect this was the volume Burne-Jones sent to Kipling. Going by the British Library catalogue, the first edition was published in 1848, and there were numerous reprints.[D.H.] It's the kind of book that makes me want to go outside and try to notice and take care of every little thing surrounding me.

Oak, Ash and Thorn - pk Oak, Ash and Thorn - pk

This story is filled with examples of kindness, secure relationships, healthy communication (including disagreements), navigating big/scary feelings, empathy, compassion, unconditional love, as well as respect for the natural world, an interesting look at the personalities and ethos of different animals, and perspective about humanity’s impact on nature. I not only loved this book, I believed every word of it and as I water my seed paper I shall look at my garden, and the promise of the worlds within it, with renewed hope. Maybe, just maybe, it’s not too late. Three tiny, ancient beings – Moss, Burnet and Cumulus, once revered as Guardians and caretakers of the Wild World – wake from winter hibernation in their beloved ash tree home. But when it is destroyed, they set off on an adventure to find more of their kind, a journey which takes them first into the deep countryside and then the heart of a city. Helped along the way by birds and animals, the trio search for a way to survive and thrive in a precious yet disappearing world ... This is a delightful book. In it we are introduced to the Hidden Folk - little people in nature, and the adventure and journey that they go on. There are some great characters, an engaging plot, loads of interesting incidental learning about the natural world and relationships. Although, a children's book, I think anyone of any age would enjoy this wonderful book if they have an interest in nature or observing the world around a little more closely. This would be a wonderful read aloud book (and I almost wished I had a small person to read it too). Whatever your age through - it encourages us all to notice the small things, watch and listen more - and forage in hedgerows!Reminded me of books from my childhood: The Borrowers, The Faraway tree stories. Definitely the kind of story I would have relished as a child. i’m scared, if i’m honest, and part of me wants to stay here for ever. but most of me knows we have to carry on. “

Celtic sacred trees - Wikipedia Celtic sacred trees - Wikipedia

The description in this book, the turn of phrase and the language are just exemplary. It would be perfect for reading aloud to a class, or sharing together before bedtime. There are wonderful little vignettes and moments of pause, where the character reflect on a theme or emotion, such as fear or friendship, and discuss it. But these moments don't seem forced, the characters often talk together to find a solution and a way forward. These moments of pause and reflect are perfect for opening discussions with children and young people around emotions and wellbeing.These lyrics are based on the version performed by the Longest Johns in their livestreams; the original lyrics can be found here. Approach this book with your disbelief suspended and your imagination receptive and you will be welcomed, as I was, into the Wild World. Daniel Hadas adds: ‘The refrain shares the rhythm of that of the carol on the Seven Joys of Mary, with “good sirs” where the carol has “good man”. Kipling had already imitated that carol, again with “good sirs”, in his ‘ A Carol’ So this poem is a sort of pagan counterpart to the Christian original and Kipling’s imitation of it. “Oak, and Ash, and Thorn” are a Trinity of sorts.’ [D.H. Verse 5, line 2] He would call it a sin: Midsummer ceremonies are a relic of paganism. Sir James Fraser writes in The Golden Bough (Chapter 62 Section 5).

By Ash, Oak and Thorn: a perfect summer read for children

The poem was also later included in Songs from Books and DV. In both a head date of AD 1200 is added. Kipling entitled this poem A Tree Song, and it is to be found in the story Weland's Sword. Both the tale and the song set the mood and pattern for all the stories and poems which follow. The tune is intended to recall those of some of the old wassail and ritual songs. If you like By Ash, Oak and Thorn by Melissa Harrison you might also like: The Marvellous Land of Snergs by Veronica Cossanteli, Darwin’s Dragons by Lindsay Galvin, Hello Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly, The Time Traveller and the Tiger by Tania Unsworth, I Ate Sunshine For Breakfast by Michael Holland, and our list of recommended year 5 books.This harmony is realised beautifully when Melissa Harrison describes the relationships between the animals in the Wild World. Moss has gone missing and the others are frightened of meeting Vesper, a vixen enlisted to help them find their friend, but they are told that they can trust her and … “ the moment they were looking up at the vixen’s beautiful golden eyes, they found that they could communicate quite easily…..just as they had with all the other creatures they had met.”

A Tree Song – The Kipling Society A Tree Song – The Kipling Society

This seems like a whimsical fairytale at first, but I love the underlying social commentary about men's relationship with the environment and the impact we have on it. It reminded me of all the Enid Blyton books I read as a child. Adventure into the wild world of the Hidden Folk - Their job is to look after the natural environment, and if you pay attention you may even catch a glimpse of one! The story follows the journey of three little people – Moss, Burnet and Cumulus, as they travel from the relative safety of their home in the garden of 52 Ash Row (Suburbia, Ash), to the dangers of The Hive (City, Thorn) via the springtime countryside (Oak).

Stories were a crucial way in which I connected with nature as a little girl, imaginatively and emotionally. I'd love to see a new wave of children's nature writing follow these books and help today's kids do the same.