One blustering winters night, when the trees folded over in a stormy gale
A young hare struggling to make her way, tripped on a tree root and fell forwards into a hole
Down and down she tumbled, into a dusty place of lost and ancient things
She landed with a bump on a large old book covered in moss and twine
Ever so slowly she opened the heavy cover and the pages began to flutter

Millions of tiny glowing stars burst from the book throwing back her long velvet ears
As she blinked her eyes against the brightest of golden lights spinning all around her
She could just make out the shape of a huge Snowbear walking towards her through the swirling light
He appeared like a glittering wish, a sweet dream half remembered
Sparkling frosted light and snowflakes fluttered behind him as he approached

His fur was the crispest white of snowy mountains and streaks of gold shimmed from within his skin
He looked at her with kind chestnut eyes that twinkled with honey gold flecks
“I am the guardian of the book” he softly spoke, “what do you seek little one”?
Shyly she lowered her eyes and shuffled her feet, “I wish for a friend” she whispered

His face broke into a glittering smile, “I have such wonderous sights to show you”
She took his paw which was wonderfully warm and gentle, and they flew into the book
Snowflakes and golden letters spun wildly past them as they tumbled through the pages
Out they burst under a dark velvet starry sky, floating down landing with a soft crunch on the snow
Little Hare gasped as she looked around at the beautiful world she found herself in

There were snow covered mountains and lakes, forests and ice castles in the distance
“Shall we take a ride”? asked Snowbear, scooping her up onto his glittering furry back
“Woohoo!” she cried as he took off from the ground and flew high, he actually flew!
They soared over the gleaming frozen lake and waved at penguins and sealions
As they swished through the tree tops she reached out and felt the tickle of the pine needles on her paw
She felt such warmth in her heart, she was on an adventure and she had her very own Snowbear!

To be continued……full story book coming soon

All artwork and poems copyright protected by the Artist. Sarah Reilly, Love Country by Sarah Reilly. All rights reserved.

The post Snow Bear and the Magic Book Bookmark appeared first on Love Country by Sarah Reilly.

Glistening snow gathers at the cottage windows as stars appear
The faithful old grandfather clock ticks as midnight draws near
Inside the crackling log fire casts a wonderous warm glow
Presents wait patiently under the tree and candles burn low

Through a crack in the skirting board soft voices can be heard
For it is tradition on Christmas Eve to listen while nothing else stirs
A family of mice are gathered around to hear a very special tale
Sleepily awaiting Christmas their fluffy stockings hung from a nail

As the clock softly chimes midnight the magical day begins
Curled up keeping warm the little mice wish for special things
Mum and Dad just feel blessed as long as they are not apart
Beaming at the little ones with all the love in their tiny hearts

All artwork and poems copyright protected by the Artist. Sarah Reilly, Love Country by Sarah Reilly. All rights reserved.

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A hushed blanket of sparkling white covers the whispering woods
The youngest of the animals are waking up to a surprise today
What wonder awaits them when they emerge from their comfy beds
For something magical blew through the night to come their way

A twitching nose emerges from a hole to explore the crisp morning air
“My goodness what’s this?” He exclaimed at the wonderous sight
Hare scampered past Badger then stopped; all he could do was stare
“It’s beautifully white and crunchy!!” And he jumped with all his might

Robin landed onto a branch above them and some of it fell down
“It’s falling into my ears, ouch its cold!” Laughed little hare
“It tickles my nose a bit”, said Badger looking all around
Stag stuck his tongue out to catch it, “its magic” he declared

“It’s chilly on my feathers” said Robin, “I’m not sure I can fly”
“It makes my whiskers tingle” laughed Fox, who had come to join them as well
They all stood in wonder looking up as it gently fell from the sky
Their first snow had enchanted them all with its wondrous wintery spell.

All artwork and poems copyright protected by the Artist. Sarah Reilly, Love Country by Sarah Reilly. All rights reserved.

The post The First Snow Bookmark appeared first on Love Country by Sarah Reilly.

The cold wind whistled deep in the darkness of an ancient woodland
As a frightened young badger found himself quite lost one wintery night
The wild forest was coming alive with strange noises and fierce rustling
The little badger stumbled along trying to remain calm with all of his might

He had never wandered off on his own before and now felt very alone
As his fur caught on brambles, he clung to a small lantern which offered a warm glow
Scampering and rusting noises seemed to surround him making his heart thump
He tripped over tree limbs and undergrowth not knowing which way to go

He came upon a small clearing and looking up to the tall trees and dark skies above
Badger sat down on a clump of moss and wept “I just can’t see my way through”
“Hello there, young Badger” called a greeting from a little Robin on a branch nearby
“Don’t worry I will help you” Robin said with a cheery tweet “I know just what to do”

The friendly bird flapped his wings until the lantern blew out, “now look up” he sang
Badger panicked at the sudden blackness then blinked his little eyes looking up to the trees
Slowly the forest changed and was covered in a moonlit glow as the twinkling stars appeared
“Your night vision is strong and the forest will help you” it was true for he could now truly see

Badger thanked him as he noticed other friendly creatures smiling at him from the shadows
No longer afraid Badger marvelled at the beauty of the glimmering fireflies and moonbeams
As a little mouse waved at him his heart filled with joy realising, he was never truly alone
Robin smiled “now follow your feet and the moon and stars will light the way home”.

All artwork and poems copyright protected by the Artist. Sarah Reilly, Love Country by Sarah Reilly. All rights reserved.

The post Light The Way Bookmark appeared first on Love Country by Sarah Reilly.

Dylan was a shy and quiet little donkey, a bit different from the rest
His heart, however, was so enormously big that it filled out his fluffy chest
The farmer worried that he would be unable to safely do his daily chores
So, while the others did all the heavy work Dylan had to stay indoors
As Christmas Eve crept near it began to snow and poor Dylan’s sadness grew deep
Wishing he could just be useful in some way, he softly cried himself to sleep
But at this magical time of year things can happen and his wish was secretly heard
A messenger was sent from the North Pole in the form of a special little bird
Sweet beautiful bird song gently woke Dylan up the very next day
A little robin redbreast was sat staring at him in a bed of glistening golden hay
“I can help you” said the bird, “but from here you must now leave”
Dylan’s heart was brave and true, so he joyfully decided to believe
Robin led him through an overgrown hedgerow path guarded by a fox,
Dylan’s heart thumped as there stood a very old and faded red postal box
It was glittering strangely, tucked behind a wall of Ivy hidden from view
It was certainly magical and could only be found by those who truly knew
“Now remember your special wish” said Robin and Dylon closed his eyes
With a woosh a letter appeared in his mouth much to his surprise
“Post it through here” smiled the Robin “and your wish shall be granted “
As the letter dropped it glowed from inside for it was truly enchanted
When Christmas Eve arrived, the donkeys were worried Dylon was nowhere to be seen
Suddenly a distant tinkling of bells drew them to run out and look up to the night sky
Gasping they saw their beloved Dylon flying up high with the reindeer with a smile that beamed
His wish had come true, he was now the happiest of donkeys and bursting with pride
So never give up on your dreams, whatever they are, for you really never know
Someone just might be listening, someone to whom all your secret wishes go.

All artwork and poems copyright protected by the Artist. Sarah Reilly, Love Country by Sarah Reilly. All rights reserved.

The post Donkey’s Wish Bookmark appeared first on Love Country by Sarah Reilly.

There is a sprinkle of magic in the frosty air tonight, for this is Christmas Eve
Woodland folk gather together with good cheer because they firmly believe
Each year on this night there is a special visitor from up above
Spreading happy tidings, delivering gifts with jolly laughter and love

Snowflakes gently begin to fall as they gaze up eagerly at the stars
Everyone closes their eyes and makes a special wish from their hearts
In the distance there is a soft jingling sound and the robin excitedly tweets
Here he comes! It’s the winter wonderland sleigh bearing lots of yummy treats

With a sudden woosh across the sky the glittering sleigh bursts into view
Presents drop into the trees where the owls catch the crying “twit twoo”
The reindeers jingle their bells waving to the animals cheering down below
Flying high on their magical dust which make their antlers glow

A feast the animals will now enjoy of wild mushroom stew and cranberry pies
Hugging each other goodnight they stretch, yawn and hibernate with contented sighs
As they huddle together knowing the greatest gift is having each other near
A Christmas lullaby is softly sung to welcome in a Happy New Year

All artwork and poems copyright protected by the Artist. Sarah Reilly, Love Country by Sarah Reilly. All rights reserved.

The post Christmas Magic Bookmark appeared first on Love Country by Sarah Reilly.

The winter hare always has to be so cunning and clever
He scampers about in the open despite the awful chilly weather
For precious food becomes sparse when the temperature drops
Shimmering snow covers the fields and there are no more farmers crops
As a wise and mystical creature, the hare will always survive
Chewing moss and hunting for berries they dig and they dive
As glittering snowflakes softly fall and land on his wet nose
The shining moon above watches over him wherever he goes
As others silently hibernate, the hare travels all winter long
But soon it will be spring and the birds will burst into sweet song
The harshness of winter will be a distant memory for the hare
As sunshine returns bringing an abundance of food to share
Refreshed and relaxed he will be sipping fresh water from the lake
Remembering his long days chasing berries and snowflakes

All artwork and poems copyright protected by the Artist. Sarah Reilly, Love Country by Sarah Reilly. All rights reserved.

The post Berries & Snowflakes Bookmark appeared first on Love Country by Sarah Reilly.

One blustering winters night, when the trees folded over in a stormy gale
A young hare struggling to make her way, tripped on a tree root and fell forwards into a hole
Down and down she tumbled, into a dusty place of lost and ancient things
She landed with a bump on a large old book covered in moss and twine
Ever so slowly she opened the heavy cover and the pages began to flutter

Millions of tiny glowing stars burst from the book throwing back her long velvet ears
As she blinked her eyes against the brightest of golden lights spinning all around her
She could just make out the shape of a huge Snowbear walking towards her through the swirling light
He appeared like a glittering wish, a sweet dream half remembered
Sparkling frosted light and snowflakes fluttered behind him as he approached

His fur was the crispest white of snowy mountains and streaks of gold shimmed from within his skin
He looked at her with kind chestnut eyes that twinkled with honey gold flecks
“I am the guardian of the book” he softly spoke, “what do you seek little one”?
Shyly she lowered her eyes and shuffled her feet, “I wish for a friend” she whispered

His face broke into a glittering smile, “I have such wonderous sights to show you”
She took his paw which was wonderfully warm and gentle, and they flew into the book
Snowflakes and golden letters spun wildly past them as they tumbled through the pages
Out they burst under a dark velvet starry sky, floating down landing with a soft crunch on the snow
Little Hare gasped as she looked around at the beautiful world she found herself in

There were snow covered mountains and lakes, forests and ice castles in the distance
“Shall we take a ride”? asked Snowbear, scooping her up onto his glittering furry back
“Woohoo!” she cried as he took off from the ground and flew high, he actually flew!
They soared over the gleaming frozen lake and waved at penguins and sealions
As they swished through the tree tops she reached out and felt the tickle of the pine needles on her paw
She felt such warmth in her heart, she was on an adventure and she had her very own Snowbear!

To be continued……full story book coming soon

All artwork and poems copyright protected by the Artist. Sarah Reilly, Love Country by Sarah Reilly. All rights reserved.

The post Snow Bear and the Magic Book Bookmark appeared first on Love Country by Sarah Reilly.

Brown Hare was out searching for some tasty winter grass
As is snowed, overhead hundreds of birds fluttered past
He watched them with joy from the field where he sat
Then spotted a distressed bird darting this way and that
My Dear little bird please tell me what is the matter?
“I cant find a coat!” He cried through his chit and his chatter
For it is time to flock to the thrush family ball
Where all Robins and Blackbirds and Nightingales call
They all have smart red coats but I cannot find mine
So upset was the bird in his eyes bright tears shined
With a smile Hare said gently it’s because you are young
Once you are bigger you will grow the finest red one!
For you my dear friend are a Robin don’t you see?
A sure sign of winter like the snow of the trees
You will drop your first feathers and this I can vow
Then grow a splendid red chest of which to be proud!
With relief Robin knew he really did belong
And flew off to his family with his heart full of song

All artwork and poems copyright protected by the Artist. Sarah Reilly, Love Country by Sarah Reilly. All rights reserved.

The post The Hare and the Robin Bookmark appeared first on Love Country by Sarah Reilly.