Alan Davidson’s fast-moving and humorous satire on factory farming tells of a mass escape of hens from an evil chicken farm, where the prisoners are housed indoors and have never seen daylight. Most of them can’t quite believe that daylight actually exists…
Continuously in print since 1995, this book works on two levels. It’s a beautifully imagined adventure story [with funny characters to fall in love with] but at the same time a meaningful fable that packs an important message. For all ages from 9 upwards. Perfect for either home or school, the story is enlivened with numerous cartoon illustrations by artist John Richardson.
“Sounds Orwellian? It is. Told with simplicity and charm it works beautifully and weaves a delightful spell on everyone from 9 – 90” – GREENSCENE
“Animal rights supporters from 9 upwards will love Alan Davidson’s ESCAPE FROM COLD DITCH which attacks battery farming in the manner of a Second World War prison escape drama” – THE TIMES
“Funny and poignant….a modern fable” – CAMBRIDGE E. NEWS
"Sly humour, in-jokes, sometimes dark comedy, and a not entirely happy ending that makes this the type of children's book that will endure and a blend of sadness and humour that children will love. "
Reviewer: Reader for Bookangel.
On a free-range farm, Fleur, a special agent hen trains for her mission: to infiltrate the battery farm next door and free the other chickens! Fighting her way through barbed wire, foxes, farmers, and even traitors, she's going to have quite the rough ride.
My first thought on reading Escape from Cold Ditch was that it was very close to the film Chicken Run (released in 2000) and then I noticed the book was written in 1995. My first thought - before I knew the book came first by five years - was that this was plagarised. When I learned the book came first, I was not surprised to learn that the author sued the filmmakers (Telegraph, 2003). The case appears to have been settled and I sincerely hope he won, as characters, music, and plot are all extremely recognisable. The only thing different is the ending and where they are going. Having read and seen both, I prefer the book.
It is easy to get a feel for the characters quickly which allows the story to move from one joke to the next and keep its plot coherent. Fleur, our plucky heroine, is well, plucky, while many of the battery hens are clucky and dithering, making her ability to lead them essential. Expect naming in-jokes, like Homer the storyteller.
Taken on its own merits this is an amusing and entertaining children's book, with many sly nods to older readers and World War Two escape stories. If you spot the pun in the title, you'll probably enjoy it. This is more Roald Dahl than modern tales. There's a streak of darkness - it's not a casualty-free escape - and a not entirely happy ending that makes this the type of children's book that will endure and a blend of sadness and humour that readers will love.
Well I for one tend to like the "not entirely happy" endings, so I am okay with that. Although I guess since it is a children's story I might have to be a little careful or practice some more discretion if I intend to share it with my audience of little ones. Blending sadness and humor is usually a recipe for a good story, though, so I am intrigued by this one.
It is an interesting little tale, which children may enjoy. Alan Davidson is always worth reading, but this book has been slightly overshadowed by his other titles, Marina in a Green Dress and Allison Allbright. Was this a professional release now self-published off the backlist?
I loved the movie Chicken Run, and if this book is anything like that, then I know it's really good. The story sounds super interesting and it's one I'm sure my daughter and I will enjoy reading together every night.
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