CLICK, CLACK, MOO: COWS THAT TYPE by Doreen Cronin

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Cronin, Doreen. 2000. Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type. Ill. by Betsy Lewin. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN: 9780689832130

In Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type, author Doreen Cronin and illustrator Betsy Lewin introduce us to their delightful farmyard characters. Readers are informed that old Farmer Brown has a perplexing problem. His animals have united and are voicing their complaints through typewritten notes left on the barnyard door. Farmer Brown can scarcely believe his ears when he hears the keys of his old manual typewriter clickety-clacking from the barn. The utter impossibility of literate cows is followed by the equally unnerving sign left for him to find on the barn door, simply stating that the barn is too cold to sleep in at night and thus, the cows require blankets—electric blankets, to be precise. Farmer Brown ignores the request only to be faced with a further incredulous sign declaring that the cows refuse to give milk. Unbelievably, the rebellious cows are clever enough to convince the hens to go on strike as well. With the disruption in the milk and egg supply, Farmer Brown--feeling the pressure--types out his ultimatum to the dissenting cows and hens, which is hand-delivered by the neutral go-between, Duck. In the cover of night, all the farm animals convene an emergency meeting, deliver a final offer to the farmer, and amicably settle upon a deal. Or so the reader is led to believe, until an unexpected twist—the cows aren’t the only animals on the farm that can type!

In this hysterical picture book that inspired many more farmyard escapades, cows, hens, and ducks cause trouble like never before with hilarious results. The clever use of an unassuming typewriter as a personification device by Cronin brings out the true personalities of these otherwise compliant farm animals. The absurdity of cows having typing skills surely illicit chuckles at the outset, but the ensuing demands for better sleeping conditions are guaranteed to create howls of laughter. Plus, the repetitive use of the onomatopoeic phrase “click, clack moo click, clack moo clickety, clack moo” brings comedic action into the story. The ridiculousness of Farmer Brown’s dilemma is perfectly complemented by the comical watercolor images painted by Lewin. Her full-page color pictures give an up-close look at the cartoon-like world of the mischievous farm animals. Each full-color spread looks like a panel taken from a comic strip. The looks on the animals faces are expressive and priceless.

The best thing about this book no doubt is its distinct brand of humor, normally not found in the easy picture book genre. Although the concepts of strikes and negotiations may be a bit weighty for the preschool set, young children can still appreciate the antics of the animals and the farmer’s increasing exasperation.  Booklist admits, “Today's preschoolers may have to be told about antique clackety typewriters, but they'll love the slapstick of the domesticated animals who get the farmer to toe the line.” It’s hard to decide what is funnier--the fact that the cows typed a note in the first place, or that the farmer actually resorts to typing out a response! The typestyle used for the animals’ demands really conjures up the feel an old manual typewriter. What’s amusing is that Farmer Brown’s note is obviously typed on a newer machine, without the uneven impressions.  It’s these subtle nuances in the illustrations that keep up the zany mood throughout the book. For example, Publisher’s Weekly notes that “…through the use of the man's shadow, Lewin communicates his rage…”. Leaving the last page wordless, of course, is another bit of great comic delivery, the picture punch line requiring nothing more than the reader’s laugh.        

                          

Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type is the most notable work of the author-illustrator team Cronin & Lewin. It has received innumerable awards including a Caldecott Honor (2001).

This picture storybook can be easily adapted into an entertaining puppet play for a Farmyard Friends themed storytime. Audiences will enjoy repeating the clickety refrain. Another idea is to hold a featured author event to spotlight Cronin & Lewin’s trademark humor and cast of irresistible characters. A special Best Of storytime can be presented highlighting books such as Diary of a Worm and Duck for President. 

Books in Print. 2013. TWU Library. Accessed September 8, 2013 http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2125