Adam Russell-Owen – författare

A donkey who plays the accordion? You'll never believe it!Bridie the donkey lives on a little farm high on a hill with her owner, Mr Sanchez. She had to work hard, carrying fruit and vegetables on her back down to the town below everyday. At night her little legs were tired, she would relax and listen to the lovely music being played in the town. Her favourite instrument was the accordion, it made a beautiful sound.Mr Sanchez also played the accordion and in a barn he had numerous accordions of different colours and sizes. Bridie would often take a look inside. "I wish I could play the accordion, it can't be that hard" she thought. Bridie noticed a little accordion and fell in love with it. She picked it up and went outside and sat under a lemon tree and started to play. It made an awful sound. Mr Sanchez came out from his house and smiled. He sat down beside her and tried to teach Bridie how to play but her hooves were making it rather difficult. Bridie was so excited, Mr Sanchez had never seen her so happy.Bridie decided she would take the accordion into the town the next day and play in the market square. A wealthy business man and accordionist, Mr Kovolenko, owned most of the town. He was a cruel man who had a donkey sanctuary but he did not treat them kindly. The town folk were afraid of him. When he heard Bridie playing the accordion, he was furious and kicked her and told her never to play again. That night Bridie felt very sad, she happened to meet a very kind cat and between them they planned how to deal with Mr Kovolenko. There was just a slight problem, Bridie was unfortunately finding it hard to play the accordion, but help was at hand - in a very unexpected way!Join Bridie and her friends and find out how they stopped Mr Kovolenko's dastardly plans and how Bridie played the accordion at a Gala night concert and won the hearts of everyone!