Some adventures are big, some adventures are small – it’s all a matter of context.

Meet Peggy, a hen who leads a simple, happy life. Peggy lives in a small house on a quiet street and she spends her days in her yard, hanging out with the pigeons (and bouncing on the trampoline). One blustery day, a big gust of wind sweeps down and scoops up leaves, twigs and Peggy! The wind sends Peggy on a wild flight to the city where she lands in a place that is completely foreign to her. She sees all sorts of new things but as the day progresses, Peggy becomes anxious about returning to her small house on the quiet street. How will she find her way home? The answer may be with sunflowers and pigeons.

Peggy is the latest book by Anna Walker. Like her other books, Peggy is infused with a gentleness and warmth that is instantly endearing. Walker’s illustrations, in muted, autumnal water colours are superb and if you look closely, you’ll appreciate the subtle humour – Peggy looking curiously at a guy with a red mohawk or Peggy sitting in the cinema, looking slightly perplexed, a tub of popcorn beside her. For a little black hen, she has lots of expressions.

Without giving away the very sweet ending, I did like the fact that Peggy (who does find her way safely home), gets a taste for adventure.

Peggy is available online at Readings.