spot the cat and force it to leave. Mossy starts his search, but he gets distracted by worms and loses focus. However, he eventually falls into a large chamber and discovers that the Beast is sleeping inside. He tries to leave quickly but the Beast wakes up and pursues him. Mossy digs underground but the Beast digs after him until Tawny Owl shouts out that he has seen the cat and asks him to yield. The cat roars loudly and Badger arrives, asking the Beast to take him instead of Mossy. The Beast tells the animals he could easily slay them all, but just then they all hear the loud cry of another cat in the distance. The two cats call to each other and the Beast rushes out of the park to join the female that was calling to him. The animals realize that spring must be the mating season for the Beast and celebrate that the Beast has finally left the park. Reception This proved to be the poorest received of all the Farthing Wood series, possibly because it is only resolved in the end by a deus ex machina – unlike the other books where the animals work together to overcome their problems. TV series The main plot of this book is not covered in the television series possibly due to its extreme peril themes being too frightening for younger audiences. However, the sub-plot featuring Badger mistaking Mossy for his dead father Mole was included in the second season, while Adder meeting Sinuous was included in the third season. See also 1985 British novels 1985 fantasy novels Animals of Farthing Wood books Children's fantasy novels Hutchinson (publisher) books 1985 children's books