The Hawthorns

An old pear tree outside the nursery window marks the changing seasons at Easney Vicarage, where the Hawthorn children turn a quiet village life into a supply of games and stories. Pennie, the eldest, invents adventures from the house's odd corners and a memorial in the church. With few toys to buy, the children make their own amusements among garden plots, pets and hayfields. Amy Walton's children's novel gives these small occupations room to matter.

Family affection becomes more difficult when Nancy forgets to secure the gate of David's pet pig, Antony. After the animal eats spinach, Andrew takes him back to the farm, leaving David hurt and unwilling to forgive his sister. The quarrel brings responsibility, fairness and resentment into the household's daily life. Readers interested in country childhood and stories about learning to live with others will find both playful invention and close attention to children's feelings here.