Poppy

Poppy is the third book in the narrative sequence of the larger Dimwood Forest series, which chronicles Poppy’s life and those of her family and friends. Although Poppy was the first story published in the series, it is preceded in narrative sequence by Ragweed (1999) and Ragweed and Poppy (2020). Both titles feature the character of Ragweed, a city mouse who joins Poppy’s family and becomes her boyfriend. The first novel in the series depicts Ragweed’s departure from home to chase adventure in the big city, a journey which complements Poppy’s in this novel as she finds the courage to push back against established social norms and enters unfamiliar surroundings to save her family from an oppressive social structure.

Poppy is the primary recurring character throughout the series. Later novels feature her husband, Rye, and their son, Ragweed Junior, and explore how Poppy approaches the trials of motherhood and the pain of loss. Ereth is another important recurring character: He is the titular character of Book 5, Ereth’s Birthday (2000), and Book 7, Poppy and Ereth (2009). Ereth’s stories emphasize themes of friendship and the importance of caring for others as the grouchy porcupine learns how to accept important bonds into his life.