Perfect Picture Book Friday-The Cow That Laid An Egg

Posted on by Penny Parker Klostermann

Susanna Leonard Hill features Perfect Picture Book Friday on her blog. This is a wonderful resource if you are wondering what books to give as gifts, needing material for a lesson, and mainly just perfect for those who love to read picture books. Here is a list of books by category. This is very handy for finding books for lessons in the classroom, or for finding books on a particular topic to discuss with your children at home. Each book listed has a link to a review and information about that book. There is also an alphabetical list.  This week, I have chosen The Cow That Laid An Egg  for Perfect Picture Book Friday.

The Cow That Laid An Egg

Written by Andy Cutbill and Illustrated by Russell Ayto

HarperCollins 2008

Ages 3-7

Themes: Insecurity, Jealousy, Animals

Brief Synopsis: (Little One Books) Marjorie is an insecure cow who wishes she had some special talent. She can’t ride a bicycle or do handstands like the other cows. Then one morning (thanks to a bunch of scheming chickens and a paintbrush), Marjorie is astonished to discover something extraordinary: she has laid an egg!

Resources: Unfortunately I did not find resources. But a good question for discussion would be: “Which do you think came first? The cow or the egg?”

Why I Like This Book: Marjorie see that the other cows have special talents. She has none and is feeling very down. But then she lays an egg which seems the most special of talents and draws attention from all directions. Although the other cows are very suspicious and suspect the chickens had something to do with this, Marjorie believes!!! The text and illustrations are hilarious. From the proud farmer, to the crafty chickens, to the disbelieving cows, to Majorie’s patient egg-warming positions, to the first word from Majorie’s baby’s mouth…Andy Cutbill and Russell Ayto make this a delightful read…and reread…and reread. Once you read The Cow That Laid An Egg you will want to rush to the bookstore or library and read the next one, The Cow That Was the Best Moo-ther. As for me, by doing this review, I have learned that there is a third book…First Week At Cow School. I know what book I want to read ASAP.

41 thoughts on “Perfect Picture Book Friday-The Cow That Laid An Egg”

    1. Thanks, Beth. How did you find out how many followers people have? I know some have that on their site…Followers and a number…but what if they don’t? Just wondering. Penny

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  6. We all have unique qualities and strengths and we all need to feel special…and this is a message all kids need to hear. Thanks for reviewing this hilarious story…sounds like one that young children will love to hear over and over again.
    Thanks for a great review, Penny!

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  7. Cows in picture books are always good for a giggle, aren’t they? I’ve never heard of this one, but am adding it to my ever-growing list. Thanks, Penny!

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  8. Love the premise. Scheming farm animals are always fun. I just read a good one by the author of “Click, Clack, Moo, Cows that Type” called “Giggle, Giggle, Quack.” I may have to review it next week. But thanks for the selection — it’s on my “to-read” list!

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  9. Glad you made it over. I’m curious about something. Did you mean you had trouble getting to my blog because you’re busy or because of the link I put on Susanna’s blog? If the link doesn’t work well, I will do what I can to fix it….if it’s because you’re busy….I totally get that! Thanks for your comment.

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  10. I have had so much trouble getting to your blog. And I am glad I finally did. I love farm animal books. I have several written myself. I also love funny (giggling makes me all a flutter). So this book is definitely for me. Thanks for sharing. *waving*

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  12. lol! Sounds great! and hilarious. Love funny barnyard books. Seems like one boys will like, too. There seems to be special emphasis for books boys will like. Thanks for this selection. 🙂

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  13. So cute! I have never heard of any these and you always have such great selections, Penny!

    I will definitely be adding them to this weeks library list! Let’s hope my library has them! 🙂

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    1. Thanks, Natalie. As you can see, I always choose the funny ones. I love books with a sense of humor. By the way, I read Betty Bunny last night. I made my library run yesterday and that was on my list…thanks to your review last week. I love chocolate cake, but Betty must like it more because I have never put it in my pocket or my sock.

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  15. Marjorie’s beautiful eyelashes have melted my heart! I will definitely add these books to my ‘must read’ list. Thanks Penny!

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    1. Yes, barnyard stories are the best, aren’t they? The animals open up so many possibilities for an illustrator. Speaking of illustrators, your husband’s illustrations are amazing.

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  23. What a delightful selection for kids with a message for kids. The series sounds like great fun. And, in today’s world we are hearing stories of other dogs mother baby pigs. Will have to check this book out for my granddaughter. She loves animal stories.

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