The animals of Farthing Wood and their descendants, now living for many generations in White Deer Park, must confront new troubles in this seventh and final novel devoted to their adventures. Plucky the fox, the grandson of Bold and the great-grandson of the Farthing Wood Fox, befriends Dash the hare, and the two become inseparable. Then Plucky disappears, along with Weasel and a number of other animals. The animals feel confused and betrayed when they discover that the Warden, whom they'd always viewed as one of the few good humans, is behind the disappearances. At the same time, a mob of rats invades the park, determined to turn it into their territory, setting off a major battle...

Published in 1992, the year before the animated television series, based upon The Animals of Farthing Wood books, aired for the first time, Battle for the Park was not the last book to be published about these characters. In fact, many others followed. But other than the prequel - The Adventure Begins - which was published in 1994, the rest of the books were abridged versions of the seven main novels, or adaptations based around the television series. This, then, is the conclusion of the story. I found it engaging, and appreciated the fact that, although the Warden's motivations are benign - he is moving some animals to another park, because of overpopulation - the animals don't necessarily understand or agree with his actions. The battle with the rats provides excitement, but although I certainly understand not wanting a horde of them to invade, sometimes I feel that they are a species of animal too easily demonized, so I was a bit surprised to see that from Dunn. All in all, a good conclusion to the series, one which I am happy to have read. I'd like to track down the prequel at some point, as well as some of Colin Dunn's other books, but sadly, most of his work doesn't appear to be available here in the states. Alas. Recommended to fans who have read previous entries of the series. ( )