Title: I am Cow, hear me MOO!
Written by: Jill Esbaum
Illustrated by: Gus Gordon
Published by: Dial Books for Young Readers, May 2014
Ages: 3 -5
Themes: cows, self-esteem, adventure, fear
Opening Lines:
Nadine was a truly remarkable cow. There was nothing she feared — she claimed, anyhow.
Synopsis:
Nadine is a bit of a big-headed braggy bovine at the start of the story. She can’t help boast to her milder mates, Annette and Starla, that there is NOTHING she fears, and is trapped when the other two agree to go prove it in the forest! She’s actually having a whale cow of a time when her presumptuousness causes her to lose her companions. The woods at night cause a reassessment of her fearless position, though circumstances convene that Annette and Starla don’t quite see it that way.
Why I like this book:
An indomitable cow discovering the joys of the woods in impeccable rhyme and two hilarious sidekicks. This is a stomping, romping rhythmic read-aloud adventure with high stakes and illustrations that only enhance all the humor and suspense in the story. Gordon’s illustrations, made from watercolors, crayons, pencils, and collage, are fluid and funny, a great match for Esbaum’s rich word choice (curdled, gulped, prickled, jiff, hollered, glancing, bellowed, cranny). The perfect kid like blend of bragging, fear and luck. Nadine is a cow after my own heart and this story begs to be reread!
Note: some readers won’t like the fact that Nadine doesn’t correct her two friends at the end, who still think she is very brave.
Resources/Activities:
I am a cow, hear me Moo! trailer
Kidsparkz.com has some great pre-school and kindergarten activities.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with teaching resources and activities, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
You really write excellent reviews! I love the title and the cover on this book. It sounds absolutely hilarious. Watched the video and got a better sense of the illustrations and actions. Will have to get the book to see how it ends. I know my granddaughter wants stories to make her laugh!.
Nice review and adorable book trailer!
Love this pick!
The title cracks me up and makes me want to sing some Helen Reddy! 😀
The cover alone totally pulls me in! How does Nadine get atop the tree? Gotta read it and find out.
“Impeccable rhyme” and a mooving title. I’ve got to add this to my “to read” list. Thanks.
Like Pat, I enjoy your reviews, which always has me begging for more. A fun choice.
Well, I don’t think I could pass up some romping, stomping rhythm! What a fun review! I’ll be looking for this one! Thanks Ms Marple!!
I LOVE this book, Joanna! I did it for PPBF last spring (not to worry – I’m so behind in updating the PPBF list that it’s not on there yet :)) It’s so much fun, isn’t it? You have to love Nadine 🙂
Well, I think I missed finding this one last spring. I’ll see if my library has it now. I knew just from Susanna’s pick this week that my library list would be full. Thanks for sharing this one. (And thanks to your note about the endings, this may be a mentor text for me… I’ll see soon)
LOVE the title! This is a great pick! 🙂
Love, love, love Jill Esbaum! So glad this is on the list 🙂
Love this book! Thanks for the great review!
Looks like a fun book! The title is hilarious.
This is such a fun book – thanks for posting your thoughts on it.