Tidy

Story

Pete is a very tidy badger, he likes to keep the forest spick and span. But Pete’s tidying might have gone a little too far this time…

Why we chose it

Pete, with his drive to be tidy, is a great character and the story is witty and warm. There are numerous comic details in the illustrations and the rhyme and rhythm make it great to read aloud. The message about caring for the environment is particularly relevant today.

Where it came from

Emily Gravett wanted to be a witch when she was younger, but when she finally realised she couldn’t do that she decided to study illustration instead, so she could make books to read to her child before bed. The character of the badger came first for Tidy and the theme of the environment came later.

Where it went next

Tidy is very popular in schools.

Associated stories

Emily Gravett is the award winning author of a number of other picture books including Wolves, Blue Chameleon, Little Mouse’s Big Book of Fears, Dogs, Meercat Mail, The Odd Egg, Monkey and Me and Again.