posted on 17 Oct 2020

The Woodies: Chip’s Rescue by Tanya Pike

At the moment we all need to be reminded that the great outdoors is an exciting place to be. This is the first story in The Woodies series of books which uses a group of likeable knee high adventure seeking characters who live in different trees.

This one focuses on Chip from the Sycamore tree who gets into trouble falling into a muddy bog as he tries to find his way home using a short cut through the Dark Wood. Luckily he has three resourceful friends, Woody, Bark and Plank who can be relied on to help.

The front cover shows the four pals looking out at the reader with the woods behind them - they all look like they enjoy having a good time. The first character, health and fitness enthusiast, Bark from the horse chestnut tree, is introduced on the first page when Woody knocks frantically on his treehouse door. Together they go on to alert their other friend to Chip’s dilemma. I liked the double page illustration of them pictured from behind staring nervously at the edge of the rather scary looking Dark Wood. Despite being brave determined to help, everything starts to seem even more menacing with many illuminated eyes staring from the shadows, grasping twisty tree roots and eerie sounds everywhere as they go deeper into the dense woods.

The rescue is not an easy task but together they manage to free Chip and escape from danger. Once safely home they learn that Chip had been in a rush to get home because he wanted to watch his favourite TV fashion show’ How to Look Good in Your Wood’. The overall moral of the story is not to put yourself in danger, whatever the circumstances.

This unusual and colourful little gang will appear again in subsequent stories where I am sure they will be followed with enthusiasm. I imagine that young readers will have a favourite because of their individual characteristics which are apparently based on the author’s family and friends. Mine is Bark because I rather think I know who he is....

 

Karen Argent

October 2020