Product Description

"I'm right sorry to see her go," said Farmed Dakin to James Herriot, his vet. "She's stood in that stall for twelve years and given me thousands of gallons of milk."But Blossom the cow was too old now for milking, and the farmer needed to make room for a younger animal. So, sadly, he was sending blossom to market. At least, that's what he and the vet thought. But as James Herriot continued on his rounds to Mrs. Pickering and her Basset hounds, he was about to find that Blossom has a surprise in store...

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #926095 in Books
• Published on: 1993-03-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 3-- Herriot has again done a superb job of describing one of his many experiences during his long veterinary career. Blossom the cow was long beyond her prime as a milk producer. Her owner, Mr. Dakin, had confided to Mr. Herriot that he had regretfully decided that old Blossom must be sold, and she was taken away by the local cattle-drover. Blossom, however, had other ideas. She accompanied the drover as far as the nearest village, then broke away from the herd, and ran back home. Mr. Dakin reconsidered his earlier decision and decided to let Blossom stay at her old home as a calf feeder rather than as a milk producer. The text is enhanced by soft, sometimes dark, illustrations on each two-page spread. Brown has added a great deal of character to the story with her detailed watercolors. Children who have enjoyed Herriot's Moses the Kitten (1984) and Only One Woof (1985, both St. Martin's) will undoubtedly enjoy this one, too. --Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author
Alf Wight ("James Herriot") was born on 3 October 1916 in Sunderland, near Newcastle. However the family moved to Yoker, a suburb of Glasgow, when Alf was three weeks old. He attended Glasgow Veterinary School. He moved to Thirsk, North Yorkshire, in 1940, to work for Donald Sinclair ("Siegfried Farnon") at his practice at 23 Kirkgate. He married Joan Danbury ("Helen Alderson") on 5 November 1941 at St Mary Magdalene church in Thirsk. They had two children, Jim (born 1943) and Rosie (born 1947): Jim is a vet who used to work in the Sinclair/Wight practice and Rosie is a General Practitioner (family doctor). Alf died on 23 February 1995 of prostate cancer at his house, "Mirebeck", in the village of Thirlby near the town of Thirsk that became famous in his books as "Darrowby".

Customer Reviews

Blossom makes an impression
This is a wonderful book. In James Herriot's usual heart-warming fashion, he tells the tale of a farmer's loyalty and fondness for his oldest cow. I began reading it to my son when he was two. I often cannot make it through the book without crying, and I have to explain that my tears are tears of joy. Very useful in discussing compassion concerning human relationships with non-human animals.

We love James Herriot
My husband and kids love reading about James Herriot's adventures as a vet. This is a great book for younger kids who love animals.