Crunch!

Meet Crunch, a guinea pig of rather portly appearance. Despite having all the creature comforts in abundance – a cosy bed, water and food aplenty – there is something missing in his life, although what, he knows not. Enter one small hungry mouse, Cheddar, who’s keen to make Crunch’s acquaintance and even more eager for a share of his breakfast leaves. A tiny morsel is all that Cheddar wants, but even his offer of a hug meets with a hostile response from Crunch, so off he goes to try his luck elsewhere.

Then breakfast complete, the sated guinea pig begins to have pangs of conscience; after all, the mouse did look SO scrawny and undernourished. Seeing the error of his ways, Crunch resolves to track down his would-be friend and make amends, but first he has to overcome his reluctance to face the world beyond his safe little abode.

Although surprised and delighted at what he discovers outside, Cheddar remains elusive; however, there’s an unexpected and altogether satisfying surprise awaiting him when he gets back home…

Change-averse Crunch and cheeky Cheddar are an appealing pair of characters beautifully portrayed by Carolina Rabei in muted, often two-toned illustrations. The gentle humour raises thought-provoking issues about sharing what we have in abundance with those less fortunate than ourselves.