Ace and the Animal Heroes: The Big Farm Rescue

by JB Gill

Dr Dolittle meets Dick King-Smith in this funny, charming animal adventure from pop-star, presenter and award-winning farmer JB Gill. The perfect next read for fans of Michael Morpurgo's Mudpuddle Farm and David Baddiel's Animalcolm! 'Ace couldn't believe his ears. NO WAY did a pig, two goats and a donkey just speak!' When Ace receives a surprise gift from a long-lost relative, he and his amazing grandparents pack up their life in the city and move to the countryside to live on a run-down farm. And there's an even bigger surprise in-store for Ace when he tries on some magical new wellies and realises he can talk to animals! He's going to have to master this new skill to take on the evil Councillor Crabbington, who is determined to shut down the farm! With a little help from Ginger the Pig, some squawkative hens and a new best friend, Ace must find a way to save the farm before Councillor Crabbington gets his hands on it! Full of hilarious illustrations from Becka Moor, the illustrator behind Pamela Butchart's Wigglesbottom Primary series! See what readers are saying about Ace and the Animal '[V]ery entertaining and a pleasure to read for any young child . . . This is a fun read and comes highly recommended.' - The Independent, Children's Book of the Week 'Ace and the Animal The Big Farm Rescue is a fun and engaging book that is perfect for children who love animals and adventure. My son couldn't put it down and was captivated by the story from beginning to end.' - Amazon reviewer 'This book is so great! It is clever, funny, and the text and pictures are equally delightful. My children and I can read this over and over again without being tired of it.' - Amazon reviewer

368 pages, Paperback

Published April 27, 2023

Reviews

[Between The Pages (Gemma M) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brilliant story for younger readers. When Ace inherits a farm he doesn't know what to expect so when he arrives and sees alot of work needs to be done he soon has a plan to bring his farm to life with the help of his grandparents and friend. With the help of some magical boots, he learns that he can communicate with the animals, which makes things a little easier, but not everyone wants him to succeed. With an attempted sabotage on his farm, will he be able to pull off saving his farm? A fun, animal farm adventure. Magical. A well-deserved four stars from me. Beautifully illustrated throughout.

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking us back to the days when talking animals were very definitely part of the canon of children’s stories and yet bringing the ideas completely up-to-date J.B. Gill has woven a spectacular story for children little and large to immerse themselves in. Older children who remember the days of Dr Dolittle and other such characters will love the feel of this book which is entirely reminiscent of those stories yet fresh and new. Taking inspiration from personal experiences and interweaving them with plenty of imagination and fictional events is one of the best ways to create a unique story and that is just what has happened with this one. I loved it and can’t recommend it enough!

Ace and his grandparents are living quite happily in their house in the city until the day Ace and his grandmother receive identical letters – the last will and testament of her pilot brother, leaving Ace his country farm. There is a catch though, they have only a week to make it a going concern and rescue it from ruin. If you think that was a big surprise wait until, along with Ace, you learn about the magical wellies that help him talk to the animals, who are certainly more than a little cheeky. Ace, his new friends, family, and the magical wellies have their work cut out for them, but they are determined to save the farm. I loved this story, and I am hoping it is just the first in a series, I feel there are more tales to be told.