The Scarecrow and Other Stories (Paperback)

Description

The Scarecrow and Other Stories is a collection of tales from the mind and heart of Ashley Hale. The stories concern themselves with taking a slightly different look at the world around us, and exploring through fiction key ideas that people of all ages are faced with. The first story, 'The Scarecrow', is about a scarecrow who tires of his life in the field and sets off on an adventure of new experiences, meeting an array of characters some of whom leave a deep imprint on his young and fragile heart, all of whom help him to realise the world around him in a new and lasting way.

The second story, 'The Lonely Penguin of Moogs Loop' is about a young penguin ostracised from his village who spends his days and nights wandering alone, looking for a mythical figure from a childhood story. On his many journey he encounters several creatures who show to him that hope and reconciliation are not impossible dreams, but rather real opportunities, and taking this to heart he attempts to return to his former home.

The third story, 'Laura and the Tortoise', is a short tale about the friendship between a young girl and her tortoise, who find themselves stranded on an island. The wise old tortoise attempts to teach his young friend that it doesn't matter where you are so much, more that you make the most out of what you have.

'Father Robin' the fourth story in the book, is a meditation on family, charity and how the littlest acts of kindness can often change the life of those you care about. It deals with grief and loss, but also hope and rebirth, and the bonds that are created in the interconnected life of all things.

The final story in the book, entitled 'The Quiet Grasshopper', is a short tale of how beauty abounds in the most unlikely places, and how finding someone to share it with can transform your life. The stories in this book aim to help readers take a step back from perception, and really think about the things in life that matter, a lesson we're all still learning.