2021-07-14
The cow’s cold turns her moo into a boo, scaring all of the farm animals—and even, thankfully, a would-be predator.
With the repeated refrain “the cow said, ‘Boo!’ ” Button’s story lends itself perfectly to a preschool group read-aloud. When the ill (and therefore clumsy) cow stumbles into a clothesline and becomes enveloped in a ghostly sheet, she unintentionally shocks her fellow farm animals. Seeing her friends’ terrified reactions to her greetings, the still-enshrouded cow sadly goes off by herself. But when she notices a fox creeping toward her friends, she uses her new scariness to save the farm. Button’s rhyming text hits at just the right pace, encouraging participation from little readers. Kids will love being in on the joke that the cow isn’t really a ghost, and the silliness of the animal sounds when they all catch the cow’s cold will certainly elicit many a giggle. Carter’s illustrations include subtle hints at fall and Halloween even though the text doesn’t explicitly mention the season: Pumpkins dot the field, there’s a jack-o’-lantern shirt on the clothesline, and leaves float across the pages. The real visual highlight, however, is the progression of frames showing the fox sneaking through the field of snoozing animals. The glow of the moonlight acts as a spotlight on the fox, drawing readers’ attention to the action the animals don’t notice. The rear endpapers present five illustrated steps to “wash your hooves and paws!” and keep colds away.
An infectious seasonal read-aloud. (Picture book. 3-6)
Praise for The Cow Said BOO!
2021 Parent Magazine Parents Approved Selection
2022 W. Cook Elementary Reader’s Choice Awards Nominee
2022 CCBC Spring Best Books for Kids & Teens Selection
2023 TD Summer Reading Club Top Recommended Reads Selection
2021 CBC Books "41 Canadian Picture books to watch for in fall 2021" selection
2021 Open Book “Read Local – Ottawa” Selection
2022 The Children’s Book Council “September: Hot Off the Press” Feature
2022 Oakville News “Top 11 holiday reads for children & adults” Feature
“Button’s rhyming text hits at just the right pace, encouraging participation from little readers. Kids will love being in on the joke that the cow isn’t really a ghost...An infectious seasonal read-aloud.”—Kirkus Reviews
“The rhyming text and repeated refrain are sure to engage the smallest readers and listeners. Bright, energetic watercolors show all the action and some of the funny contrasts in the story. A terrific story time read-aloud, this works for Halloween events or any time of year.”—School Library Journal
“This book will have youngsters asking for it to be read over and over, but it’s so much fun, adults won’t mind at all.”—Seattle Book Review
“Silly and cute, THE COW SAID BOO! is a light-hearted picture book with Halloween flair.”—YA Books Central
“This simple story begs to be read aloud with gusto and presents a great opportunity for teachers and parents to encourage active participation from youthful listeners.”—CM Magazine
“This is a cute story for teaching hygiene to little ones. The plentiful pumpkins and autumn leaves make this a good choice for a not-so-scary Halloween read aloud.”—Youth Services Book Review
“A good storytime choice for very young ones at Halloween and/or Autumn time. The rhyming text and repeated refrain are engaging.”—Katrina Yurenka, Youth Services Book Review
“This boisterously fun picture book offers plenty of wordplay and a healthy dose of humor...Perfect for reading aloud, there are many opportunities for active participation, including a review of handwashing hygiene on the endpapers...”—Canadian Children’s Book Centre
“Rhyming text and a repeated refrain swoop kids into the silly antics. The kindness that the cow receives from her pals and how she pays it forward is the real treat.”—Parents Magazine
“[A] fun farm romp when poor cow catches a cold and can’t say ‘Moo!’ but says ‘Boo!’ instead...A nonfiction back page talks about washing hands to prevent colds.”—The International Educator
“[T]he perfect silly-fun for Halloween!”—@jmebills
“Lana Button gives us a story in which a difficulty becomes a blessing, reminding young readers that face-value is just that.”—CanLit for Little Canadians
“This not so spooky tale makes for a fun festive read.”—Little Bookworm Club
“Lana Button has masterfully created a funny, fall story perfect for our youngest readers. Preschoolers will LOVE this story and teachers and ECEs will have a blast reading it.”—Storytime with Stephanie
“I love the story & how the end papers help kids “scare away colds” with the cutest hand-washing instructions ever...A perfect read-aloud, but probably not at bedtime because there will be far too much giggling!”—Sheryl Books
“This playful picture book tells a story of the day a cow had a cold so bad that her "moo" came out as "boo."”—The Kid Lit Mama
“[E]nergetic and fun, with a delightful refrain (perfect for chanting)...bustling, sweet illustrations that make the picture book terrific read aloud material. Perfect for Halloween or seasonal fall reading, or for readers looking for a giggly, endearing and rhyming story...”—Fab Book Reviews
“The illustrations really bring the story to life and show the personalities of the animals. A fun and lighthearted read about a group of friends.”—Canadian Bookworm
“A sweet story complete with a twist ending that will encourage all readers to wash hands and work to avoid spreading germs.”—Charlotte Offsay (Instagram)
