Book Review Click, Clack, Moo by Doreen Cronin

This was again a gift from my friends and is a recurring favourite read for the kids. Since my kids are aged apart 2.5 years, it is fun to see an old favourite being picked up by the younger one. The older one leans in to listen when I read, and in response to the questions she poses, suddenly the scope of the story and what one can learn from it widens.

Simply put, the story is set in a farm owned by Farmer Brown. Farmer Brown's problems begin when his cows discover his old typewriter and use it to put forth their demands of better living conditions. In this case they send a note for electric blankets. The whole base of the story is delightful and preposterous at the same time. Click clack moo, cows that type? is a oft repeated refrain in the book. And somehow sounds fun repeating it.

Farmer Brown is not happy, he does not give in immediately. Communication flies back and forth through typed notes, stuck on barn doors. Soon the movement for rights spreads to the hens too. Barnyard politics in the form of meetings and referendums are played out. Farmer Brown is threatened with a 'strike'. The clickety-clack of the typewriter is heard very often. There are 'neutral' parties too - who ferry messages between the parties. Does Farmer Brown accept their demands? You must read this delightful story to find out.

The book is very tastefully illustrated, Farmer Brown shown only in shadows, but the facial expressions of the other animals speak a lot. For older kids, you could even use this to explain concepts of an enterprise, labour, reform movement, negotiations, workers rights, unions, socialism, etc. The younger ones will delight in a story which is just perfectly hilarious and deliciously entertaining.

Cross-posted at Indian Moms Connect here