Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type

Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Betsy Lewin

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Cronin Doreen, 2000, Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, ISBN# 9780689832130

PLOT SUMMARY

This picture book written by Doreen Cronin is the being of a series of problems which take place on a farm.   Farmer Brown finds himself in a rather strange predicament. His cows, tired of sleeping in a cold barn, find an old typewriter and decide to type Farmer Brown a letter outlining their demands for comfort or “No More Milk!”  The clickety clack of the typewriter and Farmer Brown’s escalated frustration with his cows develops into a whimsical tale of farm animals gone mad.  

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Click, Clack, Moo; Cows That Type, is a hilarious story centered on compromise.  Ms. Cronin’s use of expressive writing combined with the intrigue of items from the past such as typewriters and electric blankets makes the story captivating to its young audience.  The chain of events, cows typing letters on a typewriter, creates heightened story progression and a wonderful opportunity for young readers to make predictions about the story’s next turn in events. 

Lewin’s illustrations are some of the best I have seen.  The bold strokes and large splashes of color create an excitement and movement throughout the book.  The illustrations make you want to turn the page in anticipation of what is to come.

The story’s underlying themes provide topics for personal connection.  Readers will definitely consider the well being of animals, animal rights and also what is meant by a “win-win” situation.

For me, truly one of the best picture books I have read in a long time; A great marriage between author and illustrator!

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Starred Review in Book Bag 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.”

Starred Review on Educationskids.com:  “A fantastic book you’ll want to read again and again.”

From Publisher’s Weekly:  “Kids and underdogs will sheer for the clever critters that calmly and politely stand up for their rights.”  

CONNECTIONS

Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type is a wonderful book for integrated curriculum.  Here are a few ideas for utilizing this story in the classroom: 

Language Arts

Use as an introduction to one of the 6 traits of writing, VOICE.  Have students take on the voice of an animal that needs or wants something. Have students write a persuasive paragraph in the voice of the animal.

Use the series of Cronin’s books for a Reader’s Theater and script parts so students can read and perform in front of their classmates.

Science

Utilize Click, Clack, Moo; Cows That Type as well as other farm animal books as part of a unit study on farm life.  Integrate a field trip to a farm and have students pick and observe one animal in which they journal about on their visit. Once students return to class, have students orally present their discoveries about the animal to classmates.

Art

Have students design and make their own farm animal mask for a Reader’s Theater, Farm Animal unit study or persuasive writing exercise.  Use masks while presenting their writing or performing in front of classmates. Have the students use felt, Popsicle sticks, collage, pipe cleaners, etc. to complete their masks.

Themes/holidays

Spring or fall: Unit study on farm life.  Incorporate with a field trip to a local farm.

Other recommended books:
Giggle, Giggle Quack by Doreen Cronin
Wake Up Big Barn by Suzanne Chitwood
Barnyard Banter by Denise Flemming