Audrey and Barbara

by Janet Lawson

"Barbara," asked Audrey, "how would you like to ride an elephant?" "Will I have to get off my pillow?" Audrey seeks adventure. Her cat Barbara seeks naps. So not only does Audrey have to figure out how to get them to the Taj Mahal so that they can ride an elephant, she must also convince her very doubting and very lazy cat that, by attaching a sail (made out of Audrey's quilt!) to their bathtub, they can indeed cross the ocean to India. Meet two best friends who are opposite in every way, but who know that the best adventures are the ones you share.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2002

Reviews

[Kt Wakeling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic bit of my childhood, the Barbara is a big mood, I too love my pillow a lot

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really cute story about a little girl with an active and creative imagination. The pictures are fun and the story is just the right length for a young child. We really enjoyed reading this book together.

[Matt Millslagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book! The subtext involves perseverance in the midst of a naysaying friend. It also involes problem solving and the fantasy of daydreaming and wondering. Topics all elementary students can relate to.

[Immy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Planning an adventure can be hard work, especially when you have to convince your cat that it will be more exciting than having a nap.

Exploring the obstacles and solutions of travel Audrey plans her adventure to India, reminding children that if you have perseverance nothing can stop you achieving your goal.

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

audrey is a little girl ripe for adventure and barbara is her cat who is not eager to leave her pillow or delay her nap. i love the way the author shows how a little encouragement can go a long way, and also how she retains barbara's catness while allowing her to be the best friend a girl could have.

[Heydi Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read about a girl who wants to go to India and her cat named Barbara who is a bit reluctant but happy to help. I love that she starts out reading about India and then she is determined to go against all odds. It's a good lesson in imagination and perseverance.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful book for little adventure takers and problem solvers. Audrey decides to go on a trip to India. Her cat, Barbara, would rather stay on her pillow. Audrey prevails however and one by one figures out solutions to the obstacles between them and the Taj Mahal.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

great book about a little girl and her fabulous imagination.

[Tam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Neither of my boys (ages 4 & 9) liked this book. They thought Audrey was annoying and didn't find her creative in the ways she played.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Age Range: 4 - 7 years
PreSchool-Grade 2

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great children's book. Some friends and I had a great time reading it together!