Audrey is a cow with poetry in her blood, who yearns for the greener pastures beyond Bittersweet Farms. But when Roy the horse tells this bovine dreamer that she is headed for Abbot's War, the slaughter house, Audrey knows that she must leave her home and friends sooner than she ever imagined. With the help of a whole crew of animals and humans alike, Audrey attempts to escape the farm she lives on--and certain death. Cleverly written as an oral account, this unique illustrated tale of an animal on the run, told "to camera", uses over thirty narrative voices, including six humans, four cows, three sheep, two sheep dogs, one pig and a very silly rooster. Full of heart and humor, Audrey (cow) is ultimately a very human story about life and death, friendship, and holding on to one's dreams--based more or less on a true story.
FINALIST
| 2015 Governor General’s Literary Award - Young People’s Literature - Text
Selected, Kirkus Review's list of Best Children Books, 2014 Selected, New York Public Library’s list of 100 Children’s Books for Reading and Sharing, 2014 Selected, Today's Parent's list of Top 10 Middle Grade Books, 2014 Starred in CCBC’S Best Books for Kids & Teens (2015)
PRAISE FOR Audrey (Cow):
"Move aside Wilbur and Babe. There's a new farmyard hero in town, and she has no desire to end up hamburger [...] Part Great Escape, part Hatchet, part Charlotte's Web, all wonderful." --Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews
"[P]urely delightful [...] At its heart, Audrey (Cow) encourages kids to think even as it entertains - the mark of wonderful children's literature." --Starred Review, Quill & Quire
"This is no simple farm story; it is a powerful tale that takes a philosophical stance against today's meat industry [...] A unique approach to a sensitive topic." --Starred Review, School Library Journal
“With so many unique characters and voices, the read-aloud possibilities, whether at home or in the classroom, are nearly endless. At times poignant and at others laugh out-loud funny, this insightful, touching story is a wonderful addition to any bookshelf.”--Canadian Children’s Book News
Dan Bar-el is an award-winning children's author, educator, and storyteller. His writing includes chapter books, picture books, and, most recently, a graphic novel. For the past 20 years, Dan has been working with children ages 3 to 13. He's been a school-age childcare provider, a preschool teacher, a creative drama teacher, and a creative writing teacher. These days, when not writing, traveling around the country presenting his books, storytelling, or leading various workshops at schools and libraries, he teaches creative writing courses to children with the organization CWC. Dan lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, and shares his life with artist and goldsmith, Dominique Bréchault, and Sasha, the most adorable cat in the known universe. Visit him at www.danbarel.com.
View titles by Dan Bar-el
Audrey is a cow with poetry in her blood, who yearns for the greener pastures beyond Bittersweet Farms. But when Roy the horse tells this bovine dreamer that she is headed for Abbot's War, the slaughter house, Audrey knows that she must leave her home and friends sooner than she ever imagined. With the help of a whole crew of animals and humans alike, Audrey attempts to escape the farm she lives on--and certain death. Cleverly written as an oral account, this unique illustrated tale of an animal on the run, told "to camera", uses over thirty narrative voices, including six humans, four cows, three sheep, two sheep dogs, one pig and a very silly rooster. Full of heart and humor, Audrey (cow) is ultimately a very human story about life and death, friendship, and holding on to one's dreams--based more or less on a true story.
Awards
FINALIST
| 2015 Governor General’s Literary Award - Young People’s Literature - Text
Reviews
Selected, Kirkus Review's list of Best Children Books, 2014 Selected, New York Public Library’s list of 100 Children’s Books for Reading and Sharing, 2014 Selected, Today's Parent's list of Top 10 Middle Grade Books, 2014 Starred in CCBC’S Best Books for Kids & Teens (2015)
PRAISE FOR Audrey (Cow):
"Move aside Wilbur and Babe. There's a new farmyard hero in town, and she has no desire to end up hamburger [...] Part Great Escape, part Hatchet, part Charlotte's Web, all wonderful." --Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews
"[P]urely delightful [...] At its heart, Audrey (Cow) encourages kids to think even as it entertains - the mark of wonderful children's literature." --Starred Review, Quill & Quire
"This is no simple farm story; it is a powerful tale that takes a philosophical stance against today's meat industry [...] A unique approach to a sensitive topic." --Starred Review, School Library Journal
“With so many unique characters and voices, the read-aloud possibilities, whether at home or in the classroom, are nearly endless. At times poignant and at others laugh out-loud funny, this insightful, touching story is a wonderful addition to any bookshelf.”--Canadian Children’s Book News
Dan Bar-el is an award-winning children's author, educator, and storyteller. His writing includes chapter books, picture books, and, most recently, a graphic novel. For the past 20 years, Dan has been working with children ages 3 to 13. He's been a school-age childcare provider, a preschool teacher, a creative drama teacher, and a creative writing teacher. These days, when not writing, traveling around the country presenting his books, storytelling, or leading various workshops at schools and libraries, he teaches creative writing courses to children with the organization CWC. Dan lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, and shares his life with artist and goldsmith, Dominique Bréchault, and Sasha, the most adorable cat in the known universe. Visit him at www.danbarel.com.
View titles by Dan Bar-el
