There’s something rather special about the relationship between a human and a wild animal, particularly when that animal chooses to stay close rather than run away.

Raising Hare tells the true story of Chloe Dalton, who discovers a tiny, abandoned leveret while walking in the countryside. Unable to leave it to fend for itself, she takes it home, and what follows is an extraordinary relationship between the two.

But this isn’t your usual story about rescuing an animal and turning it into a much-loved pet. Quite the opposite, in fact.

Dalton understands that the hare belongs in the wild, and while she cares for it and watches it grow, she never tries to make it dependent on her. It’s a gentle story about trust, patience, and understanding that sometimes loving an animal means letting it go.

This is the children’s edition of Dalton’s bestselling memoir, and I think it’s important to consider who would enjoy it most.

While younger children might love the idea of someone rescuing a baby hare, I think the story itself is better suited to confident readers aged 10 to 12. There’s quite a bit to think about, particularly the relationship between humans and wildlife, and the responsibility we have towards animals that don’t belong to us.

It’s not a fast-moving adventure with something exciting happening on every page. It’s a quieter story, and one that asks the reader to look a little more closely at the natural world.

I think children who are already curious about wildlife and aware of the world around them will get the most from it.

Would I buy it for the grandchildren? Yes, but I’d choose carefully. This is one I’d give to an older child who loves animals, enjoys reading, and is ready for a story with a little more depth.

A thoughtful book and a lovely reminder that wild animals are exactly that. Wild.