Picture Books - Click, Clack, Moo Cows that type by Doreen Cronin, Betsy Lewin (Illustrator)

5720 Module 6: Click, Clack, Moo Cows that type by Doreen Cronin, Betsy Lewin (Illustrator) 

Summary:
Farmer Brown has a problem.  His cows like to type.  They begin typing messages to him with demands.  It’s cold in the barn at night, and they want electric blankets.  When Farmer Brown refuses their request, they go on strike refusing to give milk.  Further, the chickens also want electric blankets, so they go on strike by refusing to give eggs. Finally, Farmer Brown types his own message to the cows and sends it via the duck who is a neutral party. The cows agree to give up the typewriter in exchange for the electric blankets.  Farmer Brown considers that a fair deal and agrees.  However, instead of the ducks delivering the typewriter they have their own demands.  The pond needs a diving board! 

My Perspective:
This is one of my favorite picture books due to the humor.  The idea of cows typing with hooves is funny to begin with, but when they start making demands on the farmer he becomes outraged.  They are animals!  They should not need blankets.  Nonetheless, they want better working conditions and go on strike.  Kids will enjoy this book for the clever critters that calmly and politely stand up for their rights (Jack, K., 2005).  The barnyard animals seek to improve their lives by organizing and ultimately succeeding.

Library Use:

For Ages 3-8:  This is a great story time book that can be used to discuss necessities versus luxuries.

For 4th grade students and up: This book can be used to teach children about union organizing for better work conditions, strikes, and activism. 

References:
Cronin, D. (2000). Click, Clack, Moo. New York:  Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers.


Jack, K. (2005). Trouble in the farm yard: Labor relations and politics in Doreen Cronin’s duck books. Children's Literature Association Quarterly, 30 (4), pp. 409-425.

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