The Bison and the Butterfly: An Ecosystem Story

A touching nature story all about friendship, the environment, and accepting the differences of others.

In this sweet ecosystem story, meet Bison, who feels very sad and lonely. She’s big and hairy, and sometimes a bit clumsy... and she can’t imagine why anybody would want to be her friend. But wise woodpecker knows that everybody likes different things, and that the other animals in the forest probably feel a lot differently than she imagines.

Soon enough, as Bison eats her breakfast, has her bath and does her - ahem - business, she meets many different creatures who love her exactly because of her big, shaggy ways.

This sweet friendship story is coupled with an inspiring eco message. The book explains to children, in terms that they can relate to, how different animals within an ecosystem work in harmony and benefit one another.

This light-hearted tale from the best-selling author of The Leaf Thief gently explains the science behind rewilding, and also celebrates difference, showing that, no matter who we are and what we like, we are all worthy of friendship and have a part to play... whether that’s in our ecosystem or personal community!

Alice Hemming has published over fifty books, including ’The Dark Unicorn’ series (Scholastic) and ’The Leaf Thief’ with illustrator Nicola Slater, which has sold all over the world. She lives in Hertfordshire, UK, with her husband and two children. When she’s not visiting schools, she works in a writing shed at the top of her garden, where she can immerse herself in the world of her stories. She finds inspiration all around her and is in no danger of running out of ideas!