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.
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.
Hi, Penny. Just popped back to let you know I’ve awarded you the Liebster Blog Award. For details, see this post on my blog: http://www.bethstilborn.com/the-liebster-fest-continues/
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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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Actually, they wanted to help her and it worked! So if you’re ever feeling less than special…head on out to the chicken coop.
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I LOVE THE TITLE!!!! Were the chickens teasing the cow or were they being helpful?Cows that do handstands?!? HA HA HA!!!
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I love a book with a bit of silliness! Thank you for sharing this one!
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It will definitely satisfy your longing for silliness!
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Thanks for introducting me to this series. Sounds like a fun one.
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You’re welcome. I think you will really enjoy the books.
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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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You’re so welcome. Thank you for commenting.
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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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I know what you mean by the ever-growing list. It is wonderful to learn about all these great titles.
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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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I love her books. That would be a great one to review. I hope you choose it. I haven’t read that one yet.
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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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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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I believe you will laugh more than once if you choose to read it.
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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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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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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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This sounds like such fun! Thanks for sharing — and great that there are follow-ups, too!
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Yes there are. I have only read the first follow-up, but it was just as cute as the first one. Thanks for stopping by to read the review.
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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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Isn’t she a beauty? And wait ’til you see the baby!
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What an original idea for a book! Great review! It sounds like a fun book.
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I know! All this originality. It’s hard to believe the world is this old and folks are still coming up with such fresh ideas! Amazing!
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What a fun book and a unique concept. I will definitely have to check it out. Thanks for sharing!
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You’re welcome. It is a lot of fun.
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This sounds so funny, including it’s title. Thanks for the review Penny
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Thanks for stopping by. This book will definitely make you smile.
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Too funny. I like books that have a nonsensical hilarity to them.
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Me too. I believe nonsense is completely necessary :•)
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Sweet, trusting Marjorie! I bet she makes a wonderful mother-cow!
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She does! It is evident before baby even hatches. You will love the spread of her and the egg.
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HA! I love a good barnyard story, especially if it involves scheming chickens. This is definitely on the list! Thanks for the smiles! 🙂
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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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Thanks, Penny – but he’s my brother, haha! I’ll pass on the compliment; he’ll be very pleased. 🙂
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I love the premise, a cow laying an egg. Too funny. Can’t wait to read this. Thanks for sharing!
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I think you will get plenty of laughs. Thanks for stopping by to read the review.
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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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It is great fun. I’m sure your granddaughter will have lots of giggles.
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