Animal Stories

ALFIE IN THE SNOW

by Rachel Wells

read by Edward Killingback

running time 8hrs

When a new family moves onto Edgar Road, Alfie and George can't wait to welcome them - especially when they discover they have a cat, too! But when one little misunderstanding gets blown out of proportion, the street is suddenly at war! As the snow starts to fall, Alfie and George have their work cut out for them to bring the street back together. But can they use their festive spirit to reunite everyone in time for Christmas?

THE BELLMAKER

by Brian Jacques

read by Patrick Purser

running time 12hrs

Joseph, the Bellmaker, dreams that his daughter Mariel and her companion Dandin are in grave danger. Joseph and four Redwallers set off at once to aid them. As they push over land and sea, they cannot know the terrible threats they face. Will the Bellmaker and his companions arrive in time to help Mariel and Dandin?

CALL OF THE PENGUINS

by Hazel Prior

read by Nicolette McKenzie

running time 10hrs 30mins

Fiercely resilient and impeccably dressed, Veronica McCreedy has lived an incredible 87 years. Most of them alone, in her huge house by the sea. But Veronica has recently discovered a late-life love for family and friendship, adventure and wildlife. More specifically, a love for penguins! And so when she's invited to co-present a wildlife documentary, far away in the southern hemisphere, she jumps at the chance. Even though it will put her in the spotlight, just when she thought she would soon fade into the wings. Perhaps it's never too late to shine?

DEAR PUP

by Diana Pullein-Thompson

read by Pat Steadman

running time 2hrs

A book for dog lovers, this story is written in the form of letters from an older dog to a young pup advising the youngster on how to achieve a well-trained owner and a comfortable life.

ELEPHANT MOON

by John Sweeney

read by Angela Holland

running time 10hrs

This is the story of an incredible journey, filled with adventure, tragedy and love. Based on little-known true events of the Second World War, it tells the tale of a herd of elephants, used by a young English schoolteacher to rescue a band of orphans in Burma and transport them to the safety of India.

THE GIFT OF DARK HOLLOW

by Kieran Larwood

read by Alice Barclay

running time 6hrs

Podkin and his fellow rabbits have been sheltering in Dark Hollow after their battle with Scramashank. Podkin goes exploring and discovers an abandoned underground chamber. Armed with the Gift of Dark Hollow, Podkin learns to moonstride, and Paz is rewarded with a magical gift of her own...

THE HORSE WHISPERER

by Nicholas Evans

read by Grace Dives

running time 13hrs 30mins

13 year old girl and her horse survive an horrific riding accident. Their search for a horse-healer takes them to Montana, love and gripping adventure.

THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY

by Sheila Burnford

read by Faith Brook

running time 4hrs

The story of two dogs and a cat who travel 300 miles through the Canadian wilderness to find their masters. The loyalty and courage of the animals never fails, despite the stress of their arduous journey.

THE JANUARY QUEEN

by Joyce Stranger

read by June Clements

running time 9hrs

Kate's carelessness brings her trouble, but her friendship and love for a horse called January Queen leads to a new career.

KES (A KESTREL FOR A KNAVE)

by Barry Hines

read by Andrew Burt

running time 5hrs 45mins

Billy Caspar is a disillusioned teenager growing up in a small Yorkshire mining town. His home life lacks any sort of comfort and he is frequently bullied by his older brother and school-mates. Then he finds a kestrel hawk and discovers a passion that he has never experienced before.

THE LAST FAMILY IN ENGLAND

by Matt Haig

read by Paul Roberts

running time 7hrs 30mins

Prince is an earnest young dog, striving hard to live up to the tenets of the Labrador Pact (Remain Loyal to Your Human Masters, Serve and Protect Your Family at Any Cost). Other dogs, led by the Springer Spaniels, have revolted. Their slogans are 'Dogs for Dogs, not for Humans' and Prince is forced to break the Labrador Pact and take desperate action to save his Family.

MARIEL OF REDWALL

by Brian Jacques

read by Patrick Purser

running time 13hrs 30mins

Fighting hares, badger lords, four young comrades on a desperate quest and a tyrant king are all unforgettable characters in this fourth epic adventure of Redwall.

ON CATS

by Doris Lessing

read by Jill Hetherington

running time 6hrs 30mins

A collection of charming and celebrated stories from Doris Lessing, who's love affair with cats began at a young age, and is a brilliant evocation of the feline world.

PETS APLENTY

by Malcolm Welshman

read by Mike Duffin

running time 9hrs

Novice vet, Paul Mitchell, relates some of the hilarious escapades he experiences while working at Prospect House Veterinary Hospital. Throughout his adventures, Paul is loyally supported by Beryl, the elderly one-eyed receptionist, and Lucy, the junior nurse - together with whom he shares this merry-go-round of mayhem.

QUEST FOR THE FARADAWN

by Richard Ford

read by Simon Edginton

running time 11hrs 30mins

Brought up by Brock the badger after being abandoned by his human parents, Nab undertakes the quest for the Faradawn, the three magical grains guarded by the Elflords of the Mountains, Forests, and Seas, which will help establish a new order of innocence and peace.

RAKKETY TAM

by Brian Jacques

read by Miscellaneous

running time 12hrs

Two warrior squirrels lead the battle against Gulo, a bloodthirsty wolverine who will stop at nothing to recover the Walking Stone that will give him the authority to rule the lands of ice beyond the Great Sea.

SELKIE

by Rosanne Alexander

read by Stephanie Joy

running time 9hrs

The moving story of a young grey seal off the coast of Wales, showing how he gains his independence and some of the hardships he has to face, including finding his friend caught in a fisherman's net.

TAGGERUNG

by Brian Jacques

read by Miscellaneous

running time 12hrs 45mins

The clan of Sawney Rath kidnaps one of Redwall's own, a baby otter, who they believe is destined to become their Taggerung, the warrior hero of ancient legend. But as the young Taggerung grows, he rebels against his destiny and goes off in search of the place where he was born, a home he can barely remember.

WAR HORSE

by Michael Morpurgo

read by Michael Morpurgo

running time 4hrs

Told from the point of view of Joey, a young farm horse who witnesses the reality of battle in the First World War , this is a powerful story of the strength of friendship in terrible situations. Joey's courage in the face of battle impresses all around him.