Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin, Betsy Lewin (Illustrator)

From Barnes & Noble

The Barnes & Noble Review
Farmer Brown is used to all the sounds he hears on his farm. The clucks of the chickens, the quacks of the ducks, and the loud moos of the cows. Then one morning, a sound rings through the fields: Click, clack moo. It seems that his cows have begun to type on the old typewriter. Not only that, they have also typed a request. The barn is chilly and they need electric blankets. Astounded and shocked, the farmer refuses, and the cows are left no choice -- they post a strike notice on the barn door: "No milk today." And the typing didn't stop there. The next note requests electric blankets for the hens, too -- and then the hens go on strike!

Farmer Brown can't believe it, so he types a note of his own: "You are cows and hens. I demand milk and eggs." The duck issues the ultimatum to the cows, and the next morning, they bargain with Farmer Brown to exchange the typewriter for blankets (Duck would bring over the typewriter in the morning.) That night, the cows and hens sleep warm and cozy. Then Farmer Brown awakes to another typewritten note. The ducks are bored at the pond and demand a diving board. Click, clack, quack.

This innovative and smart story introduces children to the concept of bargaining and compromise. Using the tools at their disposal, the cows worked hard for their basic needs. Skills and smarts add up to a successful outcome. Another concept explored here is the basic rights of individuals. In understated but clear terms, young readers are led to question Farmer Brown's authority and inherent right to the milk and eggs. Sound a little serious for a kids book? Take another look. 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

From the Publisher

Farmer Brown has a problem. His cows like to type. All day long he hears

Click, clack, MOO.
Click, clack, MOO.
Clickety, clack, MOO.

But Farmer Brown's problems REALLY begin when his cows start leaving him notes....

Doreen Cronin's understated text and Betsy Lewin's expressive illustrations make the most of this hilarious situation. Come join the fun as a bunch of literate cows turn Farmer Brown's farm upside down.

Children's Literature

"Cows that type? Impossible!" That's what Farmer Brown thinks when he first hears the "click, clack" from the barn, but then he reads the note the cows write him. All they want is electric blankets for the cold barn. When he refuses, they go on strike. What's worse for the farmer is that the strike spreads to the cold hens as well. Duck finally negotiates a compromise. Unfortunately for Farmer Brown, the ducks have learned from all this, leaving us with a smile at the ending. This broadly humorous nonsense finds an appropriately bold, almost slapdash visual counterpart in Lewin's illustrations. Thick, brushed black lines define the characters and farm environment, while washes of color help emphasize gestures and evoke emotions, as when the red door symbolizes the farmer's rage. Great slapstick also suggests thoughts on animal rights.

Bookbag Magazine - Esmé Raji Codell

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.

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