The Animal Hedge

A farmer and his three sons descend into poverty and are forced to sell and leave their farmer. The new house has a hedge around it, into which the farm pours his love for animals. As the sons grow and mature, they go to the hedge to see what their futures will be. I love how this book tends to the hearts of the four men of the story, showing both their deep desires and their care for each other. Once grown, the sons return to their father to learn more about themselves and to give back to him. The hedge itself is both a source of meaning and something crafted into meaning by human hands. Ibatoulline’s illustrations look and feel like old oil paintings, cracking under time by depicting the timeless truths of history.

Wow. Ok, it's a fairy tale with some interesting logical gaps, but the key plot-lines and themes are authentic and beautiful. And the art is wonderful, with each character being so individual, and aging accurately as time passes. The art looks so much like traditional, I'd swear it was painted on wood, not canvas. Highly recommended.
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Impulse. Totally forgot I read it before... hm.... Well, even though it's apparently forgettable, I still have the same high opinion.

A man and his three sons go through various seasons as their fortune changes. Each of the sons has a certain predisposition towards his vocation. Father carves up the hedge into various topariary creations, the sons view the hedge and get inspiration as to what career path to follow. A thought provoking picture book to read to middle and possibly upper elementary students. This could initiate a discussion on career planning. Reminiscent of the three little pigs in that the sons are sent out into the world to make their own living. In the end of this story the sons give back to the father.

Most impressed with the artistry of Bagram Ibatoulline, I've recently read many books with his lush illustrations. He is one of my favorite artists.

In this book, his illustrated are inspired by American Folk Art. The tale is one wherein a farmer loves his animals. He is happy farming his land and tending his goats, chickens, pigs and other creatures. When a severe lack of rain occurs, he looses his farm. He and his three sons find a small plot of land, but there is not money to buy animals nor is there land to toil.

There is a hedge surrounding their small property, and the farmer trims the hedge in the shape of animals. As it becomes necessary for his sons to leave their home and seek their own professions, the farmer tells them to look show more to the hedge for the shape provided which will direct them toward their future.

One by one they find their vocation. Upon returning, they learn that the shapes were those in their heart. They provide a farm and animals for their father who lives his life in supreme happiness. show less

A farmer loses his farm and raises his sons in poverty, while trimming a hedge into topiary. Eventually his sons grow up, find fulfilling careers, and help him out. Between this book and Grandpa Green, I'm wondering if Bagram Ibatoulline is known as the go-to person for books about topiary!

When a father is forced to sell his beloved farm animals, he turns his hedges into the animals he lost. He does this so he can show his son how much he loved the animals, but he had to do what he needed to provide for them. It is a great inspirational book that teaches kids to follow their hearts and do as they love no matter who says otherwise.

A farmer shares his passion for farming with his three growing sons. Sadly, the farmer must sell all of his land and animals due to a drought; however, when he and his sons move to a new home, there is a hedge. The farmer trims the hedge to resemble farm animals. When it is each son's time to leave home and choose a profession, the farmer has each son trim what they see in the hedge. When the sons return home to their father, they learn that there really was not anything in the hedge, their choices were in their hearts.

The lesson would be a great addition to a discussion about dreams, passions, and the guidance of parents.