Fidget of Fiddlewood: Stories for Bedtime — Patricia Lear

"Fidget of Fiddlewood" is a series of little episodes or vignettes centred around our family dog, Fidget, describing our rural wildlife as seen through his eyes.

Fidget was once an energetic fellow, but the years are catching up with him and "having a nap" is now a frequent necessity. He still loves to sit and survey his domain and watch the activity around him, including all the native birds and animals of the area. Although he is a very curious fellow, he never attempts to get too close to his new-found friends.

This little man started life on the street, hanging around with a gang of other dogs, and life was not very kind to him. He was a very frightened pooch when he found his new "family", but soon accepted that this was the very best place to be.

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My husband and I retired to this idyllic area on the Atherton Tablelands, in Far North Queensland, after years of moving around Australia. We live on three acres of ex-farmland, and have planted hundreds of rain forest trees to encourage the local wildlife. I am also a volunteer with a dedicated group of people committed to rain forest restoration on the Tablelands.

The aim of the stories was to give our Grandchildren and other little ones an idea of life in this beautiful countryside. It is intended for Parents to read to children, say between 5 and 11 years of age, as bedtime stories, to introduce the young to our rich language and encourage them to read for themselves as they grow up.

By taking part in Fidget's activities I have learnt so much about the wonderful rain forest and its inhabitants.