From the bestselling author of Great Possessions: An Amish Farmer's Journal comes a sparkling new collection of essays on nature, farming, animals, and a host of other topics that draw his avid attention and seemingly limitless delight. Whether describing his fondness for watching clouds while he rests the horses or planting flowers in his favorite spot in the woods, David Kline offers a view of life that resonates with simple goodness.

The title of Scratching the Woodchuck comes from an encounter Kline had one summery day near his farm. As he was out walking, he came upon a woodchuck sleeping at the base of an oak tree. In a gesture that speaks eloquently of Kline's relationship with the natural world, he reached over and scratched the animal with his walking stick. Rather than being startled, the sleeping creature arched its back with pleasure at the attention.

Kline's writings ring with reverence, knowledge, and a joyful spirit, and to accompany him as he explores the fields, creeks, and woods around his farm is to share his connection with the earth. In both his writing and his work, he embodies a love of nature and a unity with our fellow creatures while offering a testimony to sustainable farming and living as a true steward of the land.

"David Kline is an alert observer of the natural world and its creatures, and an utterly pleasant and interesting companion". -- Wendell Berry

"If you want to know what the real world looks like, you had best read Scratching the Woodchuck. David Kline writes with joy, good humor, and style -- I can't think of a book that's given me more pleasure in recentyears". -- Bill McKibben

"In his new book, David Kline takes readers by the hand and leads them not only back and forth across his precious patch of earth through the seasons, but deep into the natural secrets of the land and the profound view of a true farmer". -- Gene Logsdon

"Scratching the Woodchuck is a wonderful book about the pleasures derived from a well loved and competently used place. David Kline and the Amish are national treasures". -- David Orr

"David Kline's vision goes beyond 20/20 into the realm of A/Z where he eloquently uses all of the letters in between to delight us with his insights from his wide travels at home. He's an Amish Thoreau, except he scratches the woodchuck that Thoreau ate". -- Wes Jackson