| Author | Monica Edwards |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Geoffrey Whittam |
| Cover artist | Geoffrey Whittam |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Young-adult fiction |
| Publisher | Collins |
| Published | 1958 |
| Preceded by | Frenchman's Secret |
| Followed by | The Outsider |
The Cownappers is the seventh book in the Punchbowl Farm series of novels by Monica Edwards, published in 1958 by Collins. The book was illustrated by Geoffrey Whittam. Dion Thornton achieves national celebrity status as the Boy Farmer when the BBC decide to make an Outside Broadcast television programme about him. As a result of the publicity the Thorntons are asked to look after a pedigree Jersey heifer with a mystery attached to it. The story culminates in an exciting cross-Channel trip to restore the cow to its rightful owners.
The BBC Outside Broadcast television programme was based on the real Author at Home programme made at Punch Bowl Farm by the BBC. It was broadcast on Tuesday March 5, 1957.[1]
It all began with the television outside broadcast featuring Punchbowl Farm and in particular Dion, the boy farmer. Within a matter of days the Thornton family found themselves acting as temporary guardians of a prize Jersey cow. It is soon obvious that there is a mystery attached to the cow. Where has she come from? Who is the strange "Mr. Dryden" who brought her to the farm? Events build up to an exciting climax in which the children are involved in a cross-country chase and a strictly illegal cross-Channel trip, to restore the mulberry cow to her rightful owner.