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.