Book Review: Click Clack Moo - Cows that Type by Doreen Cronin

Stars: 5 out of 5
Pros: Silly fun in words and pictures

Cons: None

The Bottom Line:

Click Clack Moo

Click Clack Moo

Clickty Clack Moo

Labor Problems Have Never Been This Funny

I was introduced to picture book Click, Clack, Moo while with a group of adult friends.  The entire lot of us was laughing at the antics in the book.  Okay, so some of it was the way it was read to us.  But the story itself is priceless.

Poor Farmer Brown has a problem.  His cows have gotten a hold of a typewriter.  And it seems they aren't happy with the conditions in the barn.  Specifically, they are cold and demand electric blankets.  Soon, the chickens have joined in.  And there will be no milk or eggs until the animals get the blankets.  Fortunately, Duck is will to be a neutral party and help bring about peace.  Will Farmer Brown ever get things back to normal?

The story is simple as is befitting a picture book.  But when read with the right seriousness, it becomes outlandish fun.  And the idea of farm animals on strike will definitely tickle any kids' funny bone.

While not an early reader, the language is simple enough that a young child would be able to understand it.  The book repeats "Click Clack Moo" at several points in the story, which will delight kids as well.  I'm sure they'll want to say it along with you as you read it aloud.

Adding to the charm are the delightful illustrations.  They are watercolor and capture the hilarity of the situation.  Especially fun is the last picture when Farmer Brown learns his problems aren't over after all.  The colors are bright and vivid to capture the interest of young kids while being slightly impressionistic.  It certainly works well.  The text and illustrations are a perfect match.

Author Doreen Cronin and illustrator Betsy Lewin are a wonderful team.  Click, Clack, Moo is a silly delight that will please kids and the adults who read aloud to them.  If you've missed this book, correct that today.