"Jasmine and the New Baby" is the first book in a delightful series of animal stories for younger readers, written by Helen Peters, a Waterstones Children’s Book Prize-shortlisted author. The series is beautifully complemented by black-and-white illustrations by Ellie Snowdon.
The story follows Jasmine, whose parents have roles closely tied to animals—her dad is a farmer, and her mum is a large-animal vet. As a result, Jasmine is no stranger to caring for animals and often finds herself in adventures to help them out of trouble.
One day, Jasmine comes across a tiny, neglected piglet that has been abandoned and left to fend for itself. She recognizes that the piglet won't survive without her care, so she decides to take it home to her farm and nurse it back to health. However, she knows she can't keep the piglet, named Truffle, forever.
As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a journey filled with heartwarming moments, laughter, and a touch of sadness. When a stormy night brings disaster, Jasmine faces difficult decisions.
Helen Peters' storytelling captures the essence of compassion, responsibility, and the strong bond between animals and humans. The book is reminiscent of the classic works of authors like Dick King-Smith and is perfect for young readers aged seven and up who love animal stories.
With its engaging narrative and charming illustrations, "Jasmine and the New Baby" is an excellent choice for children looking for a heartwarming and entertaining story. It's the perfect introduction to a series that will captivate young animal lovers.