This is a cute book about a birthday cow. His friends all try to get presents for him. His friends that get him vegetables think that he won't like his present. When he does, the friends that made him a cake think that he doesn't like the cake. It is a cute picture book written with humor for ages 0-4. The author also wrote Rhyming Dust Bunnies, another cute series about dust bunnies that try to get away from a vacuum cleaner and a cat. Once we discovered Jan Thomas through the "Doghouse," we decided we had to read everything she has had her hands on. She has this brilliant way to use very minimal text on the page and let the illustrations carry a lot of the story. There is always a joke, and usually the kids can tell what is coming before it happens which makes them feel very "in" and "smart." Her books elicit belly laughs from my kids.In "Birthday for Cow," Pig and mouse work through each of the steps to make Cow the greatest ever birthday cake. Duck interjects on every page with his offer of "a turnip." He wants to use the turnip in the cake batter. He wants to stir the batter with a turnip. He even wants to frost the cake with the turnip.When the cake is finished and Cow comes along Mouse and Pig hold up the gorgeous cake with pride (while Duck is holding the turnip) and they shout, "Happy Birthday Cow!" Cow is super excited but ends up looking right past the gorgeous cake to the turnip. Best lines are usually found in the back covers of her books. As Duck and Cow walk off together, Duck is overheard saying, "Sometimes I brush my teeth using a turnip." and Cow says, "Really? Me, too!"
What do You think about Birthday For Cow! (2008)?
Love Jan Thomas. Another fun one for cow's birthday.
—stolz5
