“Badger lived in a cozy little house,” writes Robin Muller charmingly. When a terrible storm necessitates repairs to his humble abode, Badger doesn’t feel inclined to undertake them so he moves. He finds himself rattling around the new, larger premises and returns often to take tea with the new owner of his old house, Grandmother Mouse. At her gentle behest, Badger soon finds himself doing the repairs he once avoided. His lazy ways mended, Badger moves back to his home, while the Mouse family relocates in the bigger house.

Muller’s 1993 book Row, Row, Row Your Boat features a slim young badger, eager for adventure. The older badger of Badger’s New House has a satisfied, stay-by-the-fireside look and has gained some corpulent curves. The pages appear fuller too, with many more amusing details hiding on mantlepieces and up odd-looking trees – ready to engage young readers’ eyes as they explore the pleasant Wind-in-the-Willows-like world. This is a genteel place, where Grandmother Mouse, who answers Badger’s ad for a handyman in her cap and bustle, would never dream of taking up an oilcan herself. Today’s strong grandmothers might not like this part of the message. But we can all applaud when Badger takes a broom to sloth and proves himself a good friend.