So I totally grew up around this series. My mom was really into the BBC show based on the books in the 80s and we had some of the stories that had been adapted to children's books. They always seemed nice. However, as soon as I began the first book in this 5 book series, I realized that I'd been totally missing out by just reading the children's versions. The books are autobiographical about the author's life as a country veterinarian in the rural Yorkshire Dales in northern England. For the animal lovers out there, these are a no-brainer; fabulous. But what I didn't realize was how much more these books are more than just animal stories. JH is a seriously brilliant writer. He captures not only the odd and amazing and poignant animal stories so brilliantly, but even more than that, captures human life, outlook, and interactions better than most writers I know. Each and every quirky character just jumps off the page, none less than his colleagues, but certainly his clients as well. Humor and hope play prominently throughout the books, but he also captures and contrasts human nature at its best and worst in a very real way. And he also throws in a great love of nature and appreciation for the natural beauty of his new adopted home county. They were a truly enjoyable read....a perfect travel companion or bedside table book to read a chapter before bed.