Additional information
by Jeffray N. Kessler (Author), Joani Braun (Illustrator)
Colantha the World Champion Cow is historical fiction about a real cow in the 1920s that produced more milk and had more calves than any cow in the world.
She lived on a unique farm adjacent to a turn-of-the-century mental hospital in Michigan. Patients from the hospital worked on the farm, caring for the animals and tending the crops. This system of therapy epitomized a system of treating the mentally ill with hard work and nature's beauty.
The Colantha book highlights the special relationship and love that patients at the Traverse City State Hospital had for the animals, especially the beloved, dependable, and productive cow.
The story takes the reader back in time and into now historic barns that still stand. One of the stalls is now a testament to Colantha, her offspring, and her sensitive sire, Admiral Walker. A beautiful botanic garden now exists on the grounds of the farm where Colantha roamed and grazed. The book, along with a headstone, statue, and festival, honor a champion cow that brought comfort and healing to many patients and staff at the hospital.
