Module 6: Click Clack Moo, Cows That Type

Book Summary:

Farmer Brown's cows find a typewriter, so what do they do? They start typing notes to Farmer Brown asking him for things like electric blankets. When Farmer Brown refuses to give in to their demands the animals take action.

Book Citation:

Cronin, D., Lewin, B., & Travis, R. (2011). Click, clack, moo, cows that type. 

Impressions:

I thought this book was cute and imaginative.  It made me imagine if animals could really talk. Would they complain about how they are cared for. Would they want the same things that are available to us? 

Reviews:

From Publishers Weekly

 Farmer Brown is dumbfounded when his cows discover an old typewriter in the barn and begin experimenting ("All day long he hears click, clack, moo. Click, clack, moo. Clickety clack moo"). Things really get out of hand when the cows began airing their grievances. Lewin (Araminta's Paint Box) conveys the fellow's shock as he reads: "Dear Farmer Brown, The barn is very cold at night. We'd like some electric blankets. Sincerely, The Cows." When Farmer Brown denies the cows' request, the bovine organizers go on strike. Through the use of the man's shadow, Lewin communicates his rage: the straw in his hat creates the appearance of his hair on end. With help from a neutral duck mediator, the exasperated Farmer Brown finally makes concessions. But, much to his dismay, the cows are not the only creatures that can type. Cronin humorously turns the tables on conventional barnyard dynamics; Lewin's bold, loose-lined watercolors set a light and easygoing mood that matches Farmer Brown's very funny predicament. Kids and underdogs everywhere will cheer for the clever critters that calmly and politely stand up for their rights, while their human caretaker becomes more and more unglued. Ages 3-7. (Feb.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Library Uses:

• This book can be used to introduce the concept of Onomatopoeia. It can also be used within a farm theme. I would also use this book to explore different  forms of writing instruments, type writer in this case.