Scritch-Scratch, What's That Batch?: A Shrew's Tale of Compost, Friendship and New Beginnings (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9783952643105)

A tiny adventure with a big heart-discover the secret magic of the garden compost heap!

When thunder shakes Old Oak Wood, and rain washes away their snug burrow, a family of shrews must leave the only home they've ever known. Guided by the adventurous and spirited Pip, the family embarks on a journey that leads them far beyond the forest floor and into the mysterious world of a garden compost heap.

This isn't just a pile of leaves, it's a bustling miniature city! As Pip and his family explore, they discover a world filled with wriggling worms, earthy "secret" smells, and a cast of industrious new friends. But what is making that curious scritch-scratch sound deep inside the mound? Join Pip on a gentle, rhyming journey of adaptation, discovery, and friendship as the shrews learn how to belong in their new environment and discover the vital role they play in helping the garden grow.

Why parents, teachers, and young readers love this book:

• Ecology and Nature: A perfect introduction to composting and "nature's recyclers." Children will learn how teamwork between animals and tiny organisms helps the earth stay healthy.
• Dyslexia-Friendly Design: Specifically printed in a high-readability, dyslexia-friendly font with clear spacing to support confident reading for every child.
• Social-Emotional Learning: A heartwarming story about overcoming change, moving to a new home, and finding courage in the face of the unknown.
• Rhyming Prose: Engaging, rhythmic text that is perfect for reading aloud in classrooms or at bedtime.

Perfect for fans of nature-focused classics like The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Diary of a Worm.

This beautifully illustrated picture book is a must-have for families, school libraries, and anyone who loves stories about animals, ecology, and the magic of new beginnings. Whether used as a teaching tool for environmental science or a cosy story for animal lovers, Pip's journey reminds us that even the smallest creatures can make a world of difference.