Cronin, Doreen. 2000. Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type. Ill. Betsy Lewin. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 1-4169-0348-8
Plot Summary--
This clever book details labor/management negotiations between Farmer Brown and his farm animals, specifically, the cows. Neither side is willing to make concessions until a neutral party (the duck) is brought in to mediate the dispute.
Critical Analysis--
Cronin's story is whimsical with simple but direct text. Using the cleverness of barnyard animals who can type and demand better working conditions immediately draws the reader into the story. Even though some of the vocabulary is challenging for younger readers (neutral party, ultamatum), they will enjoy the surface story, that of animals wanting warm blankets because they get cold at night. The deeper story, management/labor relations is not lost to older readers who enjoy the book as well.
Lewin's illustrations capture the whimsy of the story. Bold colors and simple lines invite the reader into the story. Lewin's drawings of the old, manual typewriter add to the story's charm. Also, the letters between the farmer and his animals that are written on the typewriter, look truly typewritten.
The surprised expressions on the animals' faces let the reader know that the animals think their demands are perfectly rational. Why should Farmer Brown be upset over such a simple request? Conversly, the shadow of Farmer Brown on the bard door as well as his facial expressions let us share in his utter frustrations. We know he feels his animals are being totally unreasonable.
The illustration of the cows' secret over-night meeting leaves the reader wondering what will happen. The chain and padlock on the barn door, as well as the moss green wash across the two-page spread, complete the secrecy picture. The ending illustrations of the ducks and their demand, leaves us wondering what is next for Farmer Brown.
My son enjoyed this story. He giggled over the thought of the cows and hens having electric blankets. The ducks and their diving board got an actual chuckle from him. I enjoyed the cleverness of this story as well. I can empathize with Farmer Brown. My son's negotiating personality is not unlike that of the cows in this story. Books that can reach varied levels of audiences are truly amazing books and this is surely an amazing book.
Review Excerpts--
Bookbag Magazine-"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."
School Library Journal-"Farmer Brown is no match for his conspiring cows [who] type notes demanding electric blankets. Artful lines as bold as the bovines and a silly text result in a satisfying story that reinforces the power of the written word."
Connections--
*Cronin and Lewin have collaborated on other books about Farmer Brown and his animals. Read some of them.
- Thump, Quack, Moo: A Whacky Adventure ISBN 9781416916307
- Giggle, Giggle, Quack ISBN 9780689845062
- Duck for President ISBN 9781416958000
- Dooby Dooby Moo ISBN 9780689845079
- Click, Clack, Splish, Splash: A Counting Adventure ISBN 9780689877162
- Click, Clack, Quackity-Quack: An Alphabet Adventure ISBN 9780689877155
*No Moon, No Milk by Chris Babcock ISBN 0517885409 has a similar story line. Compare and contrast the two stories.
*Read other books written by Doreen Cronin.
- Diary of a Worm ISBN 9780060001506
- Diary of a Fly ISBN 9780060001568
- Diary of a Spider ISBN 9780060001537
*Talk about negotiations and give-and-take. Why is it important? Have you ever made an agreement with someone where you got something and the other person got something as well?
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