The Cow in Apple Time [Hardcover]

Robert Frost (Author), Dean Yeagle (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up

This short poem, written in 1914 by beloved American poet Robert Frost, is a humorous ode to a headstrong Holstein who crashes through a stone wall into the apple orchard of a New England farm. Gorging delightedly on the fallen fruit, she drools and bellows impressively in the funny illustrations that eventually reveal an aftermath that is not so happy as the fruit ferments in her stomach and she can't give milk. Drawing on his real-life experiences as a farmer, Frost tells his tale in perfect rhyme and with a rhythmic syncopation in the style of early jazz. Amusing and playful, the illustrations present a perfect pairing of word and picture.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-5–Color cartoon illustrations give a zany interpretation to Frost's classic poem. A determined bovine, obsessed with getting to the fallen orchard apples, tramples a wall in her haste, then chomps the fruit into cider syrup. Although Yeagle's number-two pencil and computer-generated drawings do help readers interpret the words, the pictures often regress into silly animations that don't always make sense. A squirrel companion plays an odd role in observing the cow's antics, at various times waving, pleading, or getting out of the way. The farmer is frustrated about being unable to milk the cow, but her udder is anything but shriveled and dry, as indicated by the poem. There are humorous elements to this book, but overall there is a mismatch between the poem and the style of the art.–Lee Bock, Glenbrook Elementary School, Pulaski, WI
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Review

"Crisp artistry captures the humor of each moment and brings to life Frost's playful words. A perfect introduction to poetry!" —Scholastic Parent & Child Teachers' Picks: What Educators Love for Fun and Learning [Best New Books]

"Descriptive illustrations bring to life this classic poem by Robert Frost. A great addition to any library." —Library Materials Guide

"Brilliantly illustrated by Dean Yeagle . . . perfect for the child aged 4 to 7 . . . just wonderful." —Bookviews

"Cartoon illustrations give a zany interpretation to Frost's classic poem." —School Library Journal

"This book...was created to make the poet as accessible and attractive to children as possible." —Lincoln JournalStar

"A beautiful, fantastic book." —Stephanie Izarek, executive editor, Scholastic Parent & Child

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Beekman & Hathaway (September 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0975897012
• ISBN-13: 978-0975897010
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,133,740 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Animation artist turns illustrator, January 30, 2006

By 

Nancy Beiman "Northernexpress" (Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cow in Apple Time (Hardcover)

The poem is a bit of an odd duck for kids, since it describes the exploits of a drunken cow--but the illustrations should charm its intended audience. Dean Yeagle's designs for this book are animated, beautifully drawn and not at all serious.
This book is a must-have for animators and collectors of cartoon art.