Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type-Book Review

 

 



Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type



 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cronin, Doreen. 2000. CLICK, CLACK, MOO: COWS THAT TYPE. Ill by Betsy Lewin. New York, New York: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division. ISBN 9780689832130

PLOT SUMMARY

In this book, Farmer Brown discovers a problem.  His cows spend all day typing on a typewriter!  As the story moves on, the cows end up leaving Farmer Brown notes demanding items for themselves and their friends, the hens. But when Farmer Brown does not answer their demands, they go on strike and type, "no milk, no eggs."  Farmer Brown is not happy with their demands and he gives them an ultimatum, which they respond to quite surprisingly (for cows and hens, that is)!  The end is unexpected and very funny when the ducks learn a few tricks from the cows and the hens.

 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Cronin writes this picture storybook in a simple style so that children can understand.  Her style is frank and she uses phrases that are predictable which makes it fun to read aloud. My six year old daughter had to "read" the "click, clack, moo" phrases all on her own each time.  When we finished, she was ready to read it again.   

 

The illustrations by Lewin are superb!  The drawings are bold and colorful.  The expressions that she puts on the animals' faces and Farmer Brown's face are amazing.  She shows many different emotions throughout the book including anger, surprise, confusion, stubbornness and happiness all while making the pages interesting and funny! The illustrations were my six year old's favorite part.  She loved looking at their eyes and pointing out the "angry arms" in Farmer Brown's shadow.  She also thought it was funny that cows have hooves and wondered how they could type on the little buttons.    

 

REVIEW EXCERPTS

The fabulous watercolors and crisp text of the typewritten notes will woo young readers. And the hilarious ingenuity of the courageous cows and hens will inspire and amuse.

--Amy Barkat, Barnes & Noble Editorial Review

 

This hilarious story with a surprise ending is a great tribute to fair play and introduces the power of communication in a way that even the youngest listener will enjoy.
—Esme Raji Codell, Bookbag Magazine

 

AWARDS

2001 Caldecott Honor Book

Named one of The Best Children's Books 2000 by Publisher's Weekly

 

CONNECTIONS

The lessons of compromise and negotiation are taught in this book.  I think that it also shows children that they have rights too and that sometimes they have to stand up for those rights even if it means questioning authority. This picture storybook also brings technology into play.  I find it funny (as in interesting) that most children reading this book now probably haven't ever even seen a typewriter!  This book gives us a way to talk about how technology is evolving in our world. In addition, the author also uses vocabulary terms that might be new for younger readers, such as, "going on strike", impatient, furious, neutral and ultimatum which could allow for a vocabulary lesson as well. .Even though the story is unique and fun, it's the pictures that I enjoyed the most.  Other books illustrated by Betsy Lewin include its sequels Giggle, Giggle, Quack, Duck for President, Dooby Dooby Moo and Thump, Quack, Moo.