Escape from Baxters’ Barn

When Burdock the new barn cat hears of Dewey Baxter’s plans to burn down the barn, the barn animals quickly realize the need to escape, and hatch a plan to dig out. Every day, new evidence of the approaching danger appears. Valuable items are removed from the barn and gasoline is stored in the woodshed.

As the day grows closer and the escape route still is not finished, Burdock discovers a way that he can escape – but only alone. A stray, one-eyed cat brought into the barn out of pity, Burdock wonders if he should stay with the other barn animals or run off in search of safety by himself.

While the tension of the main character Burdock’s internal conflict adds depth to the plot, it often reads like an afterthought. It is mentioned in several situations but never fully develops.

Also, be cautious: although the author never uses “bad” words, there are a few instances of mildly severe language.

All in all, Escape from Baxter’s Barn is an excellent read for fans of literature’s other great animal heroines.