Rusty the Fox Saves the Chickens by Joan Hardiman. 7th December 2024.
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and anyone who loves a good story – welcome to the launch of Joan Hardiman’s latest masterpiece, Rusty the Fox Saves the Chickens! Today is a day for celebration: we’re here not only to unveil this delightful children’s book but also to honour its creator, Joan, who has once again teamed up with us here at Book Hub Publishing to bring us a story filled with heart, humour, and a little bit of mischief. This is Joan’s second book with Book Hub – they say lightning never strikes twice, but with Joan, brilliance does.
Now, let’s talk about Rusty. When you hear the phrase “a fox saves the chickens,” it might stop you in your tracks. Because, let’s be honest, when we think of foxes and chickens, we imagine more of a snack bar situation than a superhero mission. But not Rusty! Rusty flips the script – he’s the kind of fox who turns “chicken dinner” into “chicken defender.”
In a world that feels increasingly like it’s running on chaos, Rusty reminds us that even the most unexpected heroes can rise to the challenge. Whether it’s helping a friend or protecting a feathered flock, the heart of this story lies in doing the right thing – even when it goes against what’s expected. It’s a lesson we could all use today, whether we’re saving chickens, saving the planet, or just saving each other from a bad day.
And speaking of lessons, here’s a fun one for the kids – and the grown-ups too! Did you know that in Irish, the word for fox (well, actually two words) is Madra Rua? It literally translates to “red dog.” Isn’t that wonderfully descriptive? It paints a vivid picture, just like Joan’s words do in this book. And just like Rusty himself, Madra Rua is a creature of intelligence, cleverness, and a splash of charm – all qualities that Joan captures so beautifully in her storytelling.
For the children here, this book is a magical adventure – and for the parents, it’s a reminder of something deeper. Rusty’s story is a fable for our times. We’re living in a world that’s asking us to rethink what it means to care for one another, to work together, and to challenge old stereotypes – even if you happen to be a fox with a bit of a reputation.
As we celebrate this book today, we’re not just celebrating Rusty and his feathered friends – we’re celebrating imagination, creativity, and the timeless joy of a story well told. Joan has given us something special: a book that makes us laugh, makes us think, and, most importantly, makes us believe in the power of kindness and courage.
So, as we launch Rusty the Fox Saves the Chickens into the world, let’s give a round of applause to Joan Hardiman for her wonderful work, to Book Hub Publishing for bringing it to life, and to Rusty for showing us that sometimes, even a fox can be the hero we all need.
Thank you, enjoy the rest of the day, and remember – if Rusty can save the chickens, imagine what YOU can save!
