Spring

And there, as I struggle to open the gate, I happen to glance down and see it. Frog spawn! Clumps of it, floating like grey slimy sponges on the surface of the puddle. I crouch down to be close to it, to the beginning of new life.

Michael Morpurgo has lived on a farm deep in rural Devon for more than forty years. In Spring, he observes the season unfold around him, as fragile new shoots emerge, buds turn to blossom and grey skies give way to blue.

As the natural world shakes off a long winter, Michael watches lambs being born on the farm, delights in a fanfare of bluebells in the woods, and sings to the birds, dressed in his wellies and dressing gown. He shares small moments of joy found in the back garden, as well as more dramatic encounters with sparrowhawks, hares and otters.

With new poems and reminiscences about childhood and springs gone by, this is an enchanting memoir of a season from one of the world-s best-loved authors.