Niniane Westvane wants to make the world a better place . . . especially for non-human animals. So when a chicken on her aunt's farm develops the ability to read and write, Niniane is certain that she's found in Charlie the perfect ""spokes-chicken"" for the animal liberation movement. But, as Charlie's own interests develop along unforeseen lines that lead to theological study and ultimately to the Vatican, Charlie, Niniane, and eventually the Church, become entangled in thorny questions about what it means to love, to believe, and to belong. ""David Carter's symbolic tale about an intelligent chicken produces a compelling and imaginative journey that has surprising results. From its incredible beginning to its page-turning conclusion, you will find powerful social and religious issues threaded throughout Carter's delightful plot. And be assured that never again will you be able to look at a chicken the same way again after reading this exceptional story!"" --Tom Summers, author of Hunkering Down ""This book is anything but familiar. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, and it will make you think. Peter Singer, arguably the most influential philosopher of our time, published Animal Liberation in 1975, which expanded our moral circle. This book also expands our moral circle, by using narrative, inviting us to consider what it means to love and to remember.""   --Nathan Carlin, Associate Professor, McGovern Medical School ""Charlotte's Web meets Henri Nouwen in this quirky, thoughtful novel in which David Carter gives us Charlie, a chicken who learns to read from fashion magazines then moves on to theology. Charlie serves as an agent of revelation for his friends and for readers as the novel explores issues of identity, inclusion, sexuality, and religion. Readers will adore Charlie and the cast of feisty characters who surround him."" --Heather Newton, author of Under The Mercy Trees David L. Carter holds degrees in Theology, English Literature, and Library Science. He lives in North Carolina, and has published in Cities and Roads and The Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling.