Cows Can't Fly (Picture Puffin Books) [Paperback]

David Milgrim (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Series: Picture Puffin Books

Ms. Crumb said cows were far too fat; that facts were facts and that was that. But this little boy doesn't care about facts. All he knows is that he drew a picture of some cows, and when a breeze blows it into the air, he sees cows flying everywhere. And if cows can fly, isn't anything possible?

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

When the narrator of this featherweight tale crayons two orange cows against a bright blue sky, he is told to get real: " 'Why, that's absurd,' my father said./ 'Why don't you draw/ some birds instead?' " The plot takes a fantasy turn when a breeze blows the drawing down to the prairie and convinces a herd of real steers to take to the air. Once Milgrim (Dog Brain) launches the cows, however, he doesn't quite know what to do with them. As the brown animals float like balloons across a pale-blue horizon, the author employs a proven child-appealing strategy: only the young artist notices that his idea has taken flight, and the adults ignore the boy's insistent pointing at the sky ("Ms. Crumb said cows/ were far too fat;/ that facts were facts/ and that was that"). The cows then leave without a trace, which may leave some readers mystified. Although the cartoonlike art is unusually cheerful, the story seems unresolved. Ages 3-8.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2AA fanciful book in which a boy's imagination takes flight. In reserved rhyming verse, the story tells of what happens when the young narrator's picture of flying cows is caught by the wind and eventually settles in a cow pasture. Obviously impressionable, the cows themselves lift off the ground and take flight. The child is delighted to see the bovine airships, but can not convince any adults to look upward to take in the amazing sight. "Ms. Crumb said cows were far too fat; that facts were facts, and that was that." Of course, as the adults rattle off their blas? logic, the airborne creatures loom largely in the background with outstretched hooves. The rounded cartoon illustrations are featured on full double-page spreads throughout. Milgrim's illustrations make flying cows seem perfectly natural. In the end, the incredulousness of the adults does not discourage this imaginative boy. Instead, he sets off to discover which other animals may be capable of flight. A perfect stimulant for young imaginations, as well as for kids who feel their exclamations are overlooked by the adults around them.AChristy Norris Blanchette, Valley Cottage Library, NY
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (June 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140567216
• ISBN-13: 978-0140567212
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #307,878 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fun and inspiring book for kids and adults alike, March 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Cows Can't Fly (Hardcover)

I can't get enough of this book!! It delivers a wonderful message to children that they can do whatever they want if they set their minds to it. A little boy draws a picture of flying cows that blows out the window with the breeze. It passes a few cows who are inspired and start flying around in the sky. Despite all the adults ignoring him and telling him "Cows Can't Fly!" the little boy is witness to a wonderful, adult-defying event. The drawings are colorful and adorable. I reccomend this highly for any parent or educator.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply Wonderful!, June 6, 2000

By 

Roz Levine - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cows Can't Fly (Hardcover)

Cows Can't Fly is a delightful, imaginative tale all pre-schoolers will love,. This silly, funny story is told in short, four line rhyming passages and accompanied by large, expressive illustrations that will charm and amuse your youngsters. The simple rhyming pattern makes it easy for kids to "help" you read and they can use the colorful pictures to find the right rhyming word. A terrific book that kids will want to hear over and over again and a great addition to all home libraries.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars this book was amazing, April 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Cows Can't Fly (Hardcover)

i think that i will never find another like it. cows can't fly is such a fun idea for kids to explore. i would make it a point to tell you all to buy this for any kids you know, and i think you'll be pleased with how it is received.