The Huckleberry Helper (Paperback or Softback)

William Rabbit lives in the Rabbit Burrow with his grandpa, mother, and two sisters. One rainy afternoon, when Grandpa reads to them about a pie-baking contest, adventure ensues.

William leaves to pick some of the wonderful huckleberries growing in his own secret place for his mother to use in her pie. However, when he arrives, he finds Mr. Bear picking the last of the berries for his own use.

William has to think fast to handle this tricky situation without disappointing his mother or upsetting Mr. Bear! His winning strategy demonstrates the importance of respecting others' points of view and co-operation to resolve problems.

Ideal for children ages 3-8, The Huckleberry Helper reinforces the importance of family of all kinds. It also reinforces the idea that making new friends among those who are "different" or have different lifestyles can prove to be very enriching to young children.

Joan Forbes is a retired kindergarten and elementary school teacher who grew up in a farming community in southwest Saskatchewan. Much of her early childhood was spent using her imagination to visualize everything that wasn't part of her world. Thus, she spent countless hours as a child imagining how the animals of the prairie lived in their hidden homes.

In addition to holding a Teacher's Certificate from the University of Saskatchewan, Joan has also earned a Diploma from The Institute of Children's Literature. She began writing stories as a young child, and produced pages of pencilled work about the lives of forest animals.

Joan continues to live on Craigievar Farm in West Central Saskatchewan despite losing Neil, her spouse of over 50 years. Together they had enjoyed all facets of farm life, including raising their five children. She enjoys a wide variety of outdoor activities with regular visits from squirrels, birds, and deer. Alas, no bunnies.