A lyrical story featuring charming characters, encouraging nature connection, empathy and positive action. Illustrated in stunning detail by Erin Brown, children will enjoy spotting a multitude of accurately depicted creatures and gain understanding of the interdependence of species. Old Oak and Mr Shield, his shield bug friend, are worried: summer has been long and dry, and there are fewer insects and birds in the Barley Field. The harvest is poor, the farmer troubled. At a dramatic meeting Stag Beetle tells the winged insects it is time to leave and fi nd food elsewhere. But the farmer has already made a plan: Old Oak and his friends celebrate when the Barley Field transforms into a glorious wild flower meadow, welcoming back old friends and new.