When Polly Pullar’s “A Scurry Of Squirrels” popped through my letter-box just days before I set off on holiday, I was delighted. Partly because it meant I could take it with me!
But mainly because a new book from Polly is always a treat.
No-one writes about wildlife, nature and animals with more warmth, compassion and hope than Polly. It’s what makes her such a popular contributor to the “Friend”. And it’s also what makes her books such a pleasure to read.
In “A Scurry Of Squirrels”, Polly shares her lifelong passion for red squirrels. She seamlessly blends facts and history with her own personal experiences to paint a picture of our complex relationship with these furry little creatures.
My favourite chapters were the ones about Polly’s inspiring examples of squirrel rehabilitation. I loved the section about rescue squirrels Helen and Pipkin as I met them both last year on a visit to Polly’s farm!
Other chapters look at the sad history of squirrel persecution, and the challenges these little woodland warriors still face today.
It’s a story that is at times dark and despairing, but through it all shines Polly’s optimism that it’s never too late to start repairing the damage humans have done to the natural world.
There’s a wonderful selection of colour photographs in the centre of the book. And stories, too, of some of the other wild creatures Polly has rescued and nursed back to health.
This is a lovely, warm, ultimately uplifting book. It’s sure to appeal to anyone who loves animals and cares about our native wildlife.
I can heartily recommend it!
Polly has written an article about her new book for the July 24 issue of “The People’s Friend”. Watch out for the special book offer that accompanies it!
Click here for more book reviews from “The People’s Friend” team.
Angela Gilchrist I am the former Editor-in-Chief of “The People’s Friend” magazine. My passions include cats, Highland ponies, good books, vegetarian food and long walks in the Scottish countryside. My favourite place to get away from it all is the magical Isle of Skye.
