Red's best friend is his cow, Daisy. He likes her because he knows he can tell her everything and, although she'll listen, she won't tell a soul. But the last thing Red expects is that Daisy will help solve the family's money problems.

Not only is there a drought, but Red's dad is also sick. He needs an operation. Red's big brother, Luke, and his sister Tara are both out of work. The family farm is going to be taken over by the bank. And Red has no money for art supplies. Then, unexpectedly, a stranger comes to visit. Red doesn't understand a word he says, but he eventually translates his sign language enough to understand that the Stranger wants to buy Daisy's cow-pats. Red does not understand why anyone would pay hundreds of dollars for cow-pats, but he does know that all this money could be the answer to the family's problems.

Cow-Pats is a humorous novel for 8 to 12 year old readers (the targeted reading age is 11). As well as being a fun read, it also has subtle messages about family, friendship and even about what makes art works 'great'.

Part of Macmillan Education's new Breakers series, Cow-Pats is suitable for classroom use or private reading.

Good fun.

Cow-Pats, by Goldie Alexander
Macmillan Education, 2004

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