Maudie was having a bad day. And when she had bad days, she wanted to be on her own, in her house in the woods. 

She had plenty to do there, cleaning away the cobwebs and putting everything in its place. But she kept being disturbed by the animals who dropped by to keep her company. 

Each time the pig, cow, geese or goats turned up to have a chat, give her a hand or check she was alright, Maudie insisted she was 'Absolutely fine!'

Eventually she gave up and decided to go out for a walk, on her own. But then she met a small brown dog on his own who, when she asked, said he was 'Absolutely fine'. It was clear though that he needed a friend and it made Maudie realise how sometimes we don't always say what we mean and how lucky she was to have so many animals who cared about her. And sometimes it's absolutely fine not to be absolutely fine. 

Another beautiful book from one of my favourite author illustrators. Heartwarming, funny and with a lovely, important message.