One Cow Moo Moo!

PreSchool-Grade 2-- It's hard to imagine what else Bennett could have worked into this--there is a cumulative story, a counting lesson, animal sounds, plus a monster at the end. And the format is large enough to accommodate story hours. It may be calculated, but it works to fine effect, especially when combined with Cooke's boggle-eyed animals that race across the page. A young boy begins: "I saw one cow go running by. It said, 'MOO MOO!' I wonder why." And readers are off at a gallop through the barnyard. Half the fun is in the loose-limned and colorful drawings, reminiscent of Jack Kent's work: geese flapping, dogs flying, all capturing the full-throttle pace of the story. --Judith Gloyer, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This cumulative counting book begins calmly enough: "I saw a cow go running by. / It said, / 'MOO MOO!' / I wonder why." But the cow is followed by two neighing horses, which are followed by three braying donkeys . . . The crazy chase builds until it involves every animal in the barnyard. The narrator, an amused boy, watches the mad procession, counts the animals as they speed by and wonders what all the fuss is about. The answer, which comes in the form of a big, goofy, purple monster, sends the boy off after the others at top speed. and is sure to send children off into gales of laugh ter. One Cow Moo Moo! should come with a warning: "Do not read at bedtime, naptime or any other quiet time." The repetitive text and riotous cartoons will prompt fits of giggles--and all manner of barnyard noises. Ages 2-4.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.