Meet the personalities behind the pieces.
Takes spring far too seriously.
Mabel takes the beginning of spring extremely seriously. She has a date circled in her diary, a bow selected and a tulip ready well before anyone has asked. The weather has raised a few objections. Mabel has chosen not to acknowledge them. On Tuesday she announced that the garden was open for spring, despite the fact that it was raining and the garden was a windowsill.
Read Mabel’s story
Paperwork before bamboo.
Bean runs a very small office. Its entire inventory is one bamboo stalk, which he has classified as both furniture and lunch. This has caused a considerable amount of paperwork. Every morning he reviews the stalk from several angles, takes a short break and approves it for another day. Visitors are welcome, provided they do not move anything or ask what the office actually does.
Read Bean’s story
Definitely hat weather.
Olive believes there are two sorts of weather: hat weather, and weather that could become hat weather without warning. She dresses accordingly. Before a short walk she checks the window, the forecast and whether anyone else is wearing a hat. The last check rarely changes her decision. It is mostly an opportunity to look concerned.
Read Olive’s story
Not sharing the carrot.
Pickle has brought a carrot to the picnic. A fairly substantial carrot, considering the size of Pickle. He would like everyone to know that it is not for sharing. When asked why he is sitting in it, he explains that good seating is difficult to find and that this arrangement is simply efficient. Someone offers him a sandwich. He accepts, but makes no move to leave.
Read Pickle’s story
Tiny wings. Big plans.
Pip has dressed for an important occasion. Nobody is quite sure which occasion, but the red bow tie suggests that refreshments may be involved. He has appointed himself to the welcoming committee, despite there being no committee and, so far, no guests. Every arrival receives a very enthusiastic greeting. This includes the post, a shopping bag and someone who only came back for their keys.
Read Pip’s story
Judges your wrapping paper.
Noel is perfectly relaxed about Christmas. He says this while sorting ribbon into seven categories and asking whether anyone has seen the good scissors. He has a system for wrapping presents. Unfortunately, the system requires more table than is available, so breakfast has been temporarily moved to a chair. Nobody has been told when it might return.
Read Noel’s story
In charge. Apparently.
Bertie is in charge of decorations. There was no vote. He arrived wearing a very tall hat and everyone seems to have accepted it. He takes his responsibilities seriously, particularly the spacing between baubles. On Monday he moved one three centimetres to the left. On Tuesday he moved it back, following what he described as further consideration.
Read Bertie’s story
Dressed for December.
Douglas has chosen a star, a bow and the best spot in the room. He considers Christmas officially open. Someone suggests waiting until December. Douglas adjusts his bow. The matter is closed.
Read Douglas’s story
Expects excellent presents.
Holly has found a good spot and is waiting patiently. Her idea of patience includes checking for presents every few minutes. Red on one side, green on the other. The wish list stays the same.
Read Holly’s story
Punctual. Until he leaves.
Arthur always leaves the house exactly on time. He checks his jacket, straightens his collar and sets off at a perfectly sensible pace. The difficulty is everything between the house and wherever he is going. There is a leaf worth turning over. A gate he has not noticed before. A pigeon that appears to be waiting for something. It would be rude not to investigate.
Read Arthur’s story
One dress? Surely not.
Sylvie has three dresses and one invitation. She has read it twice, but it still fails to mention which colour the biscuits will be. The tea is at four. Sylvie is ready at three, then changes twice. She calls this being organised.
Read Sylvie’s story
A crown seemed appropriate.
Clemmy has put on her best yellow outfit for a perfectly ordinary afternoon. The little crown was her own addition. She has declared the sofa a palace and requested tea. Nobody objects until she introduces visiting hours.
Read Clemmy’s story
Brings luck. Expects snacks.
Bao never arrives quietly. There is a red outfit, a little gold treasure and an announcement that good things are on their way. He has prepared a very grand entrance. The exit can wait until someone has brought out the snacks.
Read Bao’s story
Definitely not for jam.
Poppy found a strawberry-sized hiding place and moved straight in. From the back, the disguise is rather convincing. From the front, two ears give the game away. Poppy maintains that ordinary strawberries have simply not tried hard enough.
Read Poppy’s story
Busy doing very little.
Otis has found the softest spot in the house. He considers this an achievement worth sitting with for a while. Someone suggests a walk. Otis suggests a slightly better cushion. Negotiations are ongoing.
Read Otis’s story
Tea first. Mischief later.
Pearl arrives for tea wearing her prettiest pink bib. She waits politely, paws together, looking entirely trustworthy. The ribbon from the cake box has disappeared. Pearl has no comment, but her afternoon is suddenly rather full.
Read Pearl’s story
Forecast: mostly cheerful.
Sunny has planned a picnic. The forecast says rain, but Sunny points out that the sitting room has excellent weather. A blanket is spread, the biscuits are counted and everyone is invited. He is particularly pleased about the lack of ants.
Read Sunny’s story
Lunch is a priority.
Hugo puts his green bib on well before lunchtime. Good preparation, he explains, should never be rushed. He has taken a seat beside the snacks. The meeting can begin whenever everyone else is ready.
Read Hugo’s story
Counts biscuits. Twice.
Biscuit has volunteered to arrange the biscuit plate. He is taking the responsibility very seriously. There were six when he started. There are five now. He recommends another count, preferably in private.
Read Biscuit’s story
Has her own soundtrack.
Mimi has a playlist for every occasion, including the very short journey from the sofa to the kitchen. Today the kettle has become a backing singer. Mimi thinks it needs practice, but admires the enthusiasm.
Read Mimi’s story
First in every puddle.
Puddle hears rain and immediately considers the day improved. There are important splashes to investigate. He returns with wet feet and an excellent report. The largest puddle, he says, deserves a second visit.
Read Puddle’s story
Scarf first. Plans later.
Chester has put on his scarf and packed a little snack. The destination is still being discussed. The sofa is looking promising. It has excellent cushions and very little wind.
Read Chester’s story
The fish is coming too.
Percy has dressed for a day out. The hat is ready, the bells are polished and the fish has been informed. Someone suggests travelling light. Percy agrees and leaves the map behind.
Read Percy’s story
A very convincing bunny.
Toby has borrowed a bunny hat and would like everyone to take the disguise seriously. The ears, he points out, are excellent. He has practised a small hop. The landing sounded suspiciously like a tiger.
Read Toby’s story
Picked the biggest strawberry.
Rosie has found the biggest strawberry in the basket. Carrying it requires both paws and a little determination. She was going to share. First, she needs a quiet moment to admire her choice.
Read Rosie’s story
Big plans. Little steps.
Millie has put on her pink dungarees and set off on an adventure. So far, she has reached the other end of the sofa. She is calling it a successful morning. There will be a biscuit to celebrate.
Read Millie’s story
Small cat. Big opinions.
Coco has found a sunny spot and would like everyone to know it is taken. The sun has moved. Coco has lodged a complaint.
Read Coco’s story
Too festive for the fruit bowl.
Pippin has found a place beside the Christmas tree. The fruit bowl was never going to do. Someone mentions apple crumble. Pippin quietly moves behind a present.
Read Pippin’s story
Here for the Christmas snacks.
Patrick has put on his Santa hat and offered to help with Christmas. His first job is checking the snacks. He would like to make this a permanent position.
Read Patrick’s story
A fairy-tale afternoon, in miniature.
The windowsill is her castle for the afternoon. Visitors are welcome, especially if they bring a story.
Read Snow White Bunny’s story
A little roar before the waddle.
Round tummy, rosy little face and yellow feet ready for a very short expedition. This penguin has packed plenty of enthusiasm. The first stop is somewhere warm, preferably with a good view of the snow.
Read Dinosaur-Hat Penguin’s story
Dressed for the Christmas biscuits.
This golden little bear has put on a red collar for afternoon tea. The soft ears are listening politely, but the eyes keep drifting towards the biscuit tin. A completely understandable distraction.
Read Santa Bear’s story
Someone mentioned cake.
A pointed party hat and a little yellow ruffle make this cream bear ready for a celebration. The invitation has not arrived yet. Luckily, being adorably overdressed is a celebration in itself.
Read Party Hat Bear’s story
One wink. Party started.
A bright little hat, a red scarf and a very cheerful outfit give this pup plenty to celebrate. The entertainment is mostly enthusiastic tail wags. So far, the audience seems delighted.
Read Winking Party Pup’s story
Big nose. Tiny trousers.
This little pup has dressed for a day of important sniffing. The brown dungarees are smart, the ears are listening, and every unfamiliar corner deserves a proper investigation. Especially the kitchen.
Read Dungaree Pup’s story
Dressed for something lovely.
Soft yellow ears, a white cap and pink details give this little pup a thoroughly cheerful outfit. The plan was a quiet afternoon. Now there appears to be a very small parade through the living room.
Read Blossom Pup’s story
A little bow, a bright outlook.
This pink bear has chosen yellow accessories to brighten the afternoon. The outfit is ready, the paws are waiting, and the only remaining question is who needs a tiny dose of cheer first.
Read Bow Bear’s story
Ready for a very important walk.
This little brown dog is dressed in red and white and ready to investigate the world. The journey may only reach the sofa. There are still several fascinating cushions along the way.
Read Jumper Pup’s story
All aboard a tiny adventure.
A blue-trimmed sailor outfit and a neat little hat have this pup dreaming of the sea. The nearest available boat is a cushion. The captain has declared it entirely seaworthy.
Read Sailor Pup’s story
A little waddle, flowers included.
This grey penguin has a tiny hat and a cheerful bag for the journey. The destination is still undecided. With orange feet and such good accessories, the getting-there part already looks lovely.
Read Flower Bag Penguin’s story
Keeping an eye on the biscuits.
A smart blue uniform, floppy ears and pink cheeks give this pup a wonderfully official air. Today's inspection covers the sofa and the biscuit cupboard. Both will require regular visits.
Read Blue Uniform Pup’s story
Small roar. Big waddle.
This penguin has slipped into an orange tiger suit and is feeling remarkably brave. The little beak gives the disguise away, but nobody has mentioned it. Confidence deserves a warm welcome.
Read Tiger Suit Penguin’s story
Soft curls. Excellent company.
Soft little curls, a sunny bib and two patient paws make this lamb excellent company. She has found a comfortable spot beside the table. Staying awake until lunch may be the tricky part.
Read Little Lamb’s story
A flower with a very good nose.
Soft purple petals frame a tiny smile, turning an ordinary afternoon into a very small garden party. This little companion has claimed the sunniest spot. Watering is unnecessary; compliments are welcome.
Read Lilac Flower Pup’s story
The roar is a work in progress.
A soft brown mane, little round paws and a determined expression make this lion feel ready for anything. He has chosen a cushion as his kingdom. For now, ruling mostly involves sitting comfortably.
Read Little Lion’s story
Every petal wanted to join.
A little bunny face sits inside a cheerful ring of colours, with two ears peeping through. The garden meeting has turned into a rainbow. Nobody can agree on a favourite, which seems entirely fair.
Read Rainbow Flower Bunny’s story
The bamboo is coming too.
This little panda has brought a snack almost as tall as he is. Carrying it takes planning, patience and a very firm hug. He considers the effort worthwhile. Lunch should never be left to chance.
Read Bamboo Panda’s story
Hat first. Destination later.
Soft brown ears and cream paws make this bear a cosy travelling companion. He is dressed for a grand adventure, although a trip to the next cushion would also be perfectly acceptable.
Read Blue Hat Bear’s story
A bonnet for every forecast.
A white bonnet frames a bright yellow face, with a little bow tucked beneath the beak. She is ready for the garden. First, a quick check that every tiny feather is presentable.
Read Bonnet Duckling’s story
Lunch has gone to his head.
A tiny burger hat and a pink outfit give this white bear a very cheerful look. He says it is practical to keep snacks close. Nobody is quite sure this is what they meant.
Read Burger Hat Bear’s story
A very gentle kind of mischief.
With bright little eyes and a fluffy pale tummy, this fox has found a sunny place to sit. The day's plans are modest: look curious, stay cosy, and accept a little attention.
Read Pink Fox’s story
Admiration, please. No spoons.
Chocolate-coloured details, little dangling legs and a cheerful face turn teatime into a character of its own. This pudding has taken a seat beside the cups. It would prefer admiration to a spoon.
Read Little Pudding’s story
A small cloud with a good nose.
Soft grey curls, floppy ears and a little black nose give this pup a wonderfully gentle look. He has found a comfortable spot in your hand. The next appointment is a nap.
Read Cloud Pup’s story
Winter dressing is a serious hobby.
A red jumper, a tall pom-pom hat and a cosy scarf keep this little bunny looking thoroughly prepared. The antlers are mostly for confidence. The afternoon forecast includes tea and a comfortable chair.
Read Winter Antler Bunny’s story
A quiet corner and a little company.
Tiny embroidered flowers and a pale blue collar give this bunny a gentle, storybook feel. She has picked the quietest corner for the afternoon. There is plenty of room for one more friend.
Read Embroidered Dungaree Bunny’s story
One cosy waddle at a time.
A pom-pom hat, a yellow scarf and a very snug cardigan: this penguin takes winter dressing seriously. Choose brown stripes or a pink cardigan. Either way, the afternoon stroll may end at the nearest comfortable chair.
Read Winter Cardigan Penguin’s story
Tiny stage. Very grand entrance.
A colourful wardrobe, a round nose and a very enthusiastic smile make every entrance feel like a show. The blue-and-green outfit is ready for opening night. The purple outfit has prepared a slightly wobbly bow. Front-row seats are available on the sofa.
Read Little Performer’s story
A gentle expedition. Several rests.
Leaf-green hats and tiny paws make this pair look ready for a very gentle expedition. They have agreed on the route. It begins with a rest and ends with another one.
Read Woodland Hedgehogs’s story
Good company. Always in bloom.
Smiling pots, tiny feet and flowers that stay in bloom bring a handmade garden indoors. Their main responsibilities are looking lovely and keeping you company. So far, both are going well.
Read Smiling Plant Pots’s story
Everyone agrees about snack time.
Some chose red tops; others arrived in blue bibs. Every golden face is looking hopefully towards the snacks. The outfits may differ, but this cheerful gathering agrees completely about the importance of lunch.
Read Teatime Bears’s story
A mushroom worth stopping for.
Soft ears, pink dungarees and a mushroom headband make this bunny look straight out of a storybook. The little mushroom was worth stopping for. The afternoon can wait a moment.
Read Mushroom Bunny’s story
Some adventures need a paw to hold.
A soft pink dress and matching hat make this a wonderfully gentle pair. The smaller companion has been invited everywhere. Some adventures feel better when there is a paw to hold.
Read Bunny & Little Bunny’s story
A quiet corner, shared.
Blue ears, little brown tufts and soft pale tummies give these two plenty of charm. They have settled side by side for a chat. The conversation is mostly about finding a sunnier patch of blanket.
Read Blue Long-Eared Friends’s story
Little stars. Practising their roar.
The lions arrived in starry blue dungarees and found the best spot on the blanket. Introductions are going well, although both lions keep practising their roar. The stars are already doing an excellent job.
Read Starry Dungaree Lions’s story
The tails deserve an introduction.
Little red pandas with round ears and beautifully stripy tails are gathering on the blanket. Turning around has become part of the introduction. Some details simply deserve their own moment in the spotlight.
Read Little Red Pandas’s story
A picnic for two pairs of ears.
Blue skirts and tiny colourful flowers bring a cheerful touch to these soft pink companions. They have arrived together and are choosing a picnic spot. Somewhere with room for both sets of ears.
Read Flower Skirt Bunnies’s story
Trying very hard to look spooky.
Three little faces are peeping out of orange costumes, each topped with a miniature pumpkin. They have practised looking spooky. The results are mostly adorable, which everyone has agreed to accept.
Read Pumpkin Friends’s story
Teatime, with flowers.
Spread out, these crochet coasters frame teatime with colourful flowers. Gathered together, the blooms become a tiny bouquet. A handful of petals, a warm cup, and an excellent excuse to stay a little longer.
Read Flower Bouquet Coasters’s story
Exploring can wait a moment.
A round cream tummy, soft brown details and a tiny leafy decoration give this hedgehog plenty of character. He has found somewhere comfortable. Exploring can resume after a thoughtful little pause.
Read Round Hedgehog’s story
Three pairs of eyes. One mystery.
These little black cats have heard something interesting and formed an investigation team. The large eyes are doing most of the work. Whatever is inside that paper bag has their complete attention.
Read Wide-Eyed Black Cats’s storyThese little stories belong to the characters. Their adventures are imaginary; the handmade pieces are real.
