Synopses & Reviews
When Burdock the barn cat sneaks into the Baxtersand#8217; farmhouse kitchen to hide behind a warm stove, he overhears a sinister plot that endangers all the animals on the farm. Itand#8217;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-owland#8212;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.
Review
"Bond's watercolors enliven the rolling hills, and paneled illustrations effectively pace the chronology. The story could be tempted to take a humorous turn, focusing on each madcap disguise the brothers thought up, but instead it stays true to the Keartons' sensibilities. A thoughtful look at two important forerunners of nature photography."--Kirkus Reviews
"In the late 19th century, these nature-loving brothers spent their youth navigating the British countryside . . . Bondand#8217;s graceful watercolors depict the brothers as they piece together their disguises and gain recognition for their innovative approach to photography. The brothersand#8217; dedication and ingenuity are especially resonant, and their elaborate costumes will amuse but also inspire. "--Publishers Weekly
Review
andquot;This sweet story with a serendipitous ending has a comforting, classic feel...Fans of Charlotteand#39;s Web and other gentle animal stories will enjoy this charming tale.andquot;
andmdash;School Library Journal
Review
"It will greatly satisfy fans of Dick King-Smith and E.B. White looking for something similar . . . Engaging fantasy adventure for preteen pig pals."
and#8212;Kirkus
"An upbeat and lively story."
and#8212;Publishers Weekly
"There's humor as well as heart, grit as well as tenderness in the telling of this Antarctic adventure tale."
and#8212;Booklist
"Loyalty, courage, and optimism are important ideas, and newcomer Kurtz brings us a rollicking story filled with all three."
and#8212;Horn Book, starred review
"Told in the voice of a seasoned storyteller, this novel has chapters that will work perfectly for sharing aloud with younger children or as a read-alone for more competent readers. . . . Move over Wilbur and Babe, there's a new pig in town."
and#8212;School Library Journal, starred review
Synopsis
Whenand#160;a curious cat uncovers a terrible secret, a barnyard of full of memorable animal charactersand#160;hatch anand#160;unforgettable escape planand#160;in this illustrated chapter book in the tradition of Charlotteand#39;s Web.
Synopsis
Raised in the moorlands of Yorkshire, Richard and Cherry Kearton developed a boyhood fascination with nature that fostered their great desire to photograph it.and#160; Together the brothers invented ingenious camouflage "hides" (including one inside the belly of an ox) in order to get closer to their subjects of birds. After three years, the brothers published the first natural history book entirely illustrated with photographs; it changed the way people view birds and their nests, inspiring them to protect them rather than plunder them.
Synopsis
In this fresh and funny middle-grade novel, Flora the pig ditches the sedentary life on the farm for an adventure in Antarctica, where she escapes the knife andand#160;lives her dream of pulling a sled with a team of dogs.
Synopsis
Flora the pig was born for adventure: and#8220;If itand#8217;s unexplored and needs to get dug up, call me. Iand#8217;m your pig,and#8221; she says. The day Flora spots a team of sled dogs is the day she sets her heart on becoming a sled pig. Before she knows it, sheand#8217;s on board a ship to Antarctica for the most exhilaratingand#8212;and dangerousand#8212;adventure of her life. This poignant novel of a purposeful pig is sure to become a favorite with any young readers who have ever dreamed of exploring the great beyond.
About the Author
Rebecca Bond grew up in the tiny village of Peacham in northeastern Vermont. When she is not having fun painting and writing, she is busy fixing up her old house in Jamaica Plain, Boston and spending time with her two young children.andnbsp;She is the author of several picture booksandnbsp;and has illustrated one chapter book, The Mysterious Woods of Whistle Root.