The Hoopoe On The Lawn

In The Hoopoe On The Lawn, eleven-year-old Ruskin spends winter holidays at his granny’s charming Dehra home, where whimsy and warmth turn everyday moments into adventures. This middle-grade tale blends gentle humor with magical touches, perfect for curious readers aged roughly 9–12 who love stories about friendship, discovery, and the quiet magic found in the world around them. Written in a warm, flowing voice, The Hoopoe On The Lawn unfolds as a tapestry of small adventures. Ruskin encounters a mischievous ghost nesting in an old peepul tree, discovers magic boxes brimming with irresistible baked treats, and experiences the thrill of tonga rides, all while the daily presence of a hoopoe—the bird with its distinctive hairstyle—weaves through the days. Along the way he befriends vibrant characters like old Miss Kellner and meets surprising figures such as Quit India protestors, painting a vivid picture of Dehra’s winter life. Pretty weeds Ruskin lovingly calls “Purple Hearts” and the lush sensations of nature are gently celebrated, inviting readers to slow down, notice the world, and believe in the extraordinary hidden within the ordinary. Whimsical episodic adventures set during a winter holiday in Dehra A memorable cast of characters, including Ruskin, Granny, old Miss Kellner, and playful neighbors Enchanting moments like a ghost in the peepul tree and magic boxes of baked treats The hoopoe, a daily, heartwarming thread that ties the story together Gentle humor, nature-filled imagery, and themes of friendship, curiosity, and resilience After finishing The Hoopoe On The Lawn, readers carry a sense of childhood wonder—an invitation to notice small joys, savor shared moments, and let imagination linger in everyday life. This story leaves you feeling hopeful, comforted, and inspired to seek out the magic hiding in the world around you.