In his inimitable witty style Ungerer records in a 12-month diary the couple's unexpected successes, dramatic calamities and touching personal moments as they fix up their house, rear livestock and get to know their unusual neighbours. More than 150 beautiful and evocative drawings accompany Ungerer's detailed descriptions, creating a vivid impression of the harsh landscape, the townsfolk and the wildlife. Ungerer's attempt to escape the rat race is a true inspiration to all those who dream of becoming self-sufficient, and will delight those who love the great outdoors just as much as the armchair adventurer.

About the Author

Tomi Ungerer, born in Strasbourg in 1931, landed in New York in 1956 with $60 in his pocket and with a suitcase full of drawings. Overnight he became a star as a caricaturist, illustrator and children's book author and published more than 80 books in ten years. As a graphic artist he created advertising campaigns for Willy Brandt and The New York Times. In 1998, Tomi Ungerer was awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Award for illustration and has become an internationally renowned artist. He now divides his time between Strasbourg and Ireland.