My father, in London for diplomatic work, bought this book in Oxford in l952 at "The Children's Bookshop" as a gift for my older sister, then 7. He shipped it to the U.S.: it became, for my sister and me, later, our perfect tale of adventure, love of the "woods" and of huntin', shootin' and fishin'. 3 brothers having escaped the "civilised" adult world of home and school, took to the outdoors (the Chase) for one full year: the finding of their dog "Bang"; the need to feed , find shelter and clothe themselves impel them to resilience and adventure and, each in their own way, to appreciate the natural world. I have read this book perhaps 20 times over a period of 60 years, from the age of 10: I return to it and to the poetry --whenever I need familiar respite, pleasure and solace. Children enjoy having it read to them before bed, my own and their treat. I recommend this book to anyone moved by this quotation: "the wonder of the world, the beauty and the power, the shapes of things their colours, lights and shades, these I saw, Look ye also while life lasts" The author BB was one of England's great naturalists; his works are loved by walkers and travellers. This novel (and the illustrations by him) are unique in his canon .