The Animal Hedge

"The versatile Fleischman presents a delightful tale of following one's dreams. . . . Joyous, peaceful, and lovely." - KIRKUS REVIEWS (starred review) No one loves animals more than the farmer. But when a drought befalls the land, and he must sell his livestock and move to a cottage with only a hedge around it, he and his three sons discover something remarkable about their hedge - and something unique about each person who trims its branches. A testament to vision, passion, and destiny, matched by Bagram Ibatoulline's virtuoso paintings.

Paul Fleischman is the award-winning author of many books for children and young adults, including JOYFUL NOISE: POEMS FOR TWO VOICES, winner of the Newbery Medal; DATELINE: TROY, an American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults; and WESLANDIA, a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year and an American Library Association Notable Children’s Book. He lives in the town of Aromas, California. "Growing up in Santa Monica, California," he recalls, "I used to walk past a hedge trimmed into animal shapes. I felt sure there was a story in that hedge - all I had to do was look for it, then trim it into shape."