In February parts of the Manawatu district were devastated by floods when heavy rain caused the river to rise more than 15m. Television and newspaper reports showed images of farms under water and worried farmers trying rescue their animals.
The tables were turned for one farmer, however. When Kim Riley went out to move her cows, the cows panicked and ran the wrong way. They ended up in the river — along with Farmer Riley.
The current was too strong for her to swim out of it, when Cow 569 floated past and provided the tiring farmer with a tow to dry land.
There was so much interest in this tale of bovine heroism that Kim Riley decided to write a story about it.
Illustrated by: Deb Hinde
Publisher: Random House
Price: $19.99
Age: 4-8 years
Recommended by: Jenni Keestra
<i>Kim Riley:</i> Cow Power
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