Power To The People...er...Cows!

While mulling over my attempt to write a picture book, which I may or may not have mentioned here at some point, I decided to spend some time reading some. My favorite during last week's research excursion was Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type
by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin. I've been hearing about this book for a while. It definitely lives up to its reputation.

Click, Clack, Moo involves some cows who learn to type and are thus able to communicate with their farmer. The book is a powerful and moving lesson in collective bargaining. Child readers will learn that laborers--in this case cows--are powerful when they "herd" together and act as one. In our story the union movement spreads, just as it does in real life, though in this case it spreads to the chickens and ducks on the farm.

Why do clever, fun picture books become so popular? Yeah, sure, kids might like them. But, remember, it's a rare preschooler who can read. Mom and Dad have to read to them. So picture book authors have to capture both audiences.

Oh, woe. My work is cut out for me.

This book has generated so much interest that you can find lessons and activities designed around it.