Barmy Barney Barn Owl

Reality and anthropomorphism merge in this chapter story for newly independent readers. Barney and his owl family live in the barn belonging to Farmer Braithwaite. However, the Braithwaites can no longer afford the barn’s upkeep, something that devious developer Mr Grasspit is well aware of as he tries to tempt the farmer to sell up. The barn owl family, listening in on their conversation, is appalled. If the proposed transaction goes ahead, it will become homeless. But owlet Barney is determined to save the day – and the first step in doing this, he reckons, is to learn people speak.

The story brings the issue of conservation within the grasp of young children. The good characters, firmly on the side of preserving the owls’ home, are in stark contrast to the baddies who regard development as a way of lining their pockets. Cheerful line drawings break up the text into manageable chunks and add further interest.