The Barnes & Noble Review
Farmer Brown is used to all the sounds he hears on his farm. The clucks of the chickens, the quacks of the ducks, and the loud moos of the cows. Then one morning, a sound rings through the fields: Click, clack moo. It seems that his cows have begun to type on the old typewriter. Not only that, they have also typed a request. The barn is chilly and they need electric blankets. Astounded and shocked, the farmer refuses, and the cows are left no choice -- they post a strike notice on the barn door: "No milk today." And the typing didn't stop there. The next note requests electric blankets for the hens, too -- and then the hens go on strike!
Farmer Brown can't believe it, so he types a note of his own: "You are cows and hens. I demand milk and eggs." The duck issues the ultimatum to the cows, and the next morning, they bargain with Farmer Brown to exchange the typewriter for blankets (Duck would bring over the typewriter in the morning.) That night, the cows and hens sleep warm and cozy. Then Farmer Brown awakes to another typewritten note. The ducks are bored at the pond and demand a diving board. Click, clack, quack.
This innovative and smart story introduces children to the concept of bargaining and compromise. Using the tools at their disposal, the cows worked hard for their basic needs. Skills and smarts add up to a successful outcome. Another concept explored here is the basic rights of individuals. In understated but clear terms, young readers are led to question Farmer Brown's authority and inherent right to the milk and eggs. Sound a little serious for a kids book? Take another look. The fabulous watercolors and crisp text of the typewritten notes will woo young readers. And the hilarious ingenuity of the courageous cows and hens will inspire and amuse.
--Amy Barkat
