Cronin, Doreen: Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type
Writer: Doreen Cronin
Illustrator: Betsy Lewin
Genre: Children's
I don't have kids, and this isn't exactly something I'd read for shits and giggles, so the only other reason I'd read it is for my graduate school program. Each residency, one of the genre groups meets to pick out a book that they feel well-represents their genre. The whole program has to read it, and it's discussed on the first day of classes. It's a way to explore other genres and what makes them tick, as well as gain a little more appreciation for the stuff we don't read.
This residency belonged to the Children's Lit/YA group, and this was the children's book they picked out. And it's very, very cute. First, the illustrations were lovely. Second, the story is, like I said, very, very cute.
The premise of the book is that the farmer's cows find an old electric typewriter in the barn, and start typing demands to the farmer, or they won't provide any more milk. The situation escalates when the farmer refuses, and winds up with a cute, sorta-twist ending.
I know it sounds horrible to critique and analyze a children's book. I mean, it's a very cute story and it has great illustrations. But still, the underlying message is disturbing: it's okay to blackmail people to get what you want. I can't get into details without spoiling the book (can one spoil a children's book?), but if not for the end, which was amusing on one level, the book would've been a nice allegory for strikes and workers.
So I say, read the book if you have kids, and consider the message before you read it to your kids, cause you never know: the message just might be loud and clear to them. It may not, and stand as a fun and cute read. If you're a parent, that's your decision. :) I enjoyed the book for what it was, but I can't help but be disturbed a bit by the allegory.