Age 04-08. 5 Stars. Many picture books emphasize friendship, but this one demonstrates the pain of its absence, emphasizing the value of sympathy, forgiveness and reconciliation. It gives a child-level view into rural Irish culture, with pleasing illustrations and well-written prose. This title is unfortunately out of print, but is still available in libraries and in the used-book market.

Age 16-18. 5 Stars. All Things Bright and Beautiful continues the memoirs of James Herriot, newly married to Helen, as he continues his veterinary practice in Yorkshire. This book is simply more of the same witty, incisive commentary on animal ways and human nature, and how they came together in his unique professional life. Utterly enjoyable.

Age 16-20. 5 Stars. All Creatures Great and Small opens an unforgettable series of personal memoirs by a country veterinarian in 1940′s Yorkshire… These are written in engaging chapters that cover brief vignettes, which are written with a warm, wry humor that vividly, affectionately, and sometimes mercilessly captures human nature in the context of this cultural scene. Many descriptions are laugh-out-loud hilarious, and will be spontaneously read aloud to the nearest listener. But Herriot is no cynic — his writing pokes fun at himself at least as often as others, and his self-deprecating wit provides an appeal that is near irresistible.