“Fans of Charlotte’s Web and other gentle animal stories will enjoy this charming tale . . . This sweet story . . . has a comforting, classic feel.” —School Library Journal
When Burdock the barn cat sneaks into the Baxters’ farmhouse kitchen to hide behind a warm stove, he overhears a sinister plot that endangers all the animals on the farm. It’s up to him and his cacophonous cohorts to figure out how to bust out of the barn before it’s too late. In this winning debut, readers will fall in love with the solitary cat, the self-effacing cow, the unstoppable pig, even a wayward she-owl—all brought to life with clever dialogue, poetic descriptions, and expressive black-and-white illustrations. This warm, lively read-aloud story about teamwork and friendship has the timeless appeal of a much-loved quilt.
“In the tradition of Garth Williams’s pen-and-ink barnyard images, Bond’s energetically sketched b&w illustrations illuminate the animals’ distinct dispositions as well as their communal courage and devotion.” —Publishers Weekly
“The book offers an opportunity for young readers to increase their vocabulary, especially if read with parents or older siblings . . . The story is filled with clear lessons about the danger of jumping to conclusions, the joys of teamwork, and the importance of accepting one another’s differences.” —Booklist
