Toro

Andrew Avner

Nov 2024 · Primary Press

About this ebook

Alicía Catalina Cortés is a Spanish cow who defies tradition to follow her dream of running with the bulls during the fiesta of San Fermín in Pamplona, Spain. The story evokes beloved family films such as Babe and Ratatouille.

“A charming and engaging fantasy with characters readers will love and a strong positive message.” —Kirkus Reviews, Our Verdict: Get It

“Great messages for young people of love, acceptance, gender empowerment, honesty, friendship, and going after what one wants abound in Toro, Andrew Avner’s one-of-a-kind, animal-populated novel for middle readers.” —IndieReader, IR Approved

“This novel has all the elements necessary for a Disney-style movie and will certainly retain the interest of young readers.” —Sublime Book Review

Alicía Catalina Cortés is a Spanish cow who longs to run with the bulls in Pamplona—but since she’s a cow, tradition forbids her from the fiesta of San Fermín. Through her journey, Alicía learns that to be noble and brave, she must follow her dream as well as her heart, even if it means defying tradition.

Toro is set in the colorful backdrop of Pamplona, Spain, during the fiesta of San Fermín and the running of the bulls, famed as one of the most exhilarating, dangerous, and spectacular events around the world.

“A unique spin on the classic ‘trading places’ tale.” —School Library Journal

International Latino Book Award • Mom’s Choice Award • NYC Big Book Award • Best Book Award • Maxy Award • Eric Hoffer Award

Ratings and reviews

'Toro' took over twenty years to come to fruition. The story behind the story is one of faith and self-reliance, to pursue a dream in the face of impossible odds, to defy immeasurable rejection and succeed. My personal narrative as an artist and that of my book are the same. I hope readers and listeners alike enjoy 'Toro' as much as I’ve enjoyed creating it.

About the author

Bestselling and award-winning author Andrew Avner graduated with honors from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television. After working in Manhattan with Academy Award-winning producer David Brown, Avner relocated to Los Angeles to develop his own original material. He’s written, directed, and produced films for The Walt Disney Company, including Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm. Currently, he’s penning his next novel.