The Smallest Cow In The World (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition) [School & Library Binding]

Katherine Paterson (Author), Jane Clark Brown (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1993 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Though Rosie is the meanest cow in the herd, five-year-old Marvin is inconsolable when she is sold and he and his family move to another dairy farm.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Marvin and his family live on a dairy farm with "two dogs, eight cats and ninety-seven cows." The meanest cow is Rosie, but Marvin loves her anyway. When the owner decides to retire, Marvin's family moves to a different farm, where all except Marvin gradually adjust to their new routine. Upset by his unfamiliar surroundings, the boy pretends Rosie is at the new farm--only now she is the smallest cow in the world, and only Marvin can see her. After destroying Mom's garden and messing up his sister's room, Marvin claims Rosie is to blame because she is angry that she had to move. As the family begins to understand Marvin's feelings, they help him to become acclimated and promise that they will never leave Rosie behind again. Paterson sends a reassuring message to beginning readers: they too can endure potentially difficult and frightening changes. Brown's delicate, homey drawings lend warmth and sensitivity to a unique story. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-- Paterson's first easy reader was originally published for the Vermont Migrant Education Program in 1988, but the text has been substantially reworked and the illustrations are completely new. Marvin and his family live and work on Brock's dairy farm. The boy has a favorite cow, Rosie, who is the meanest cow in the world. But Marvin loves her the best, and says she's nasty only because her calf is gone. When the farm is sold and the family must move, all of Marvin's pain centers on missing Rosie. Soon, on a new farm, he tells his parents that Rosie is with him, transformed by a witch into the smallest cow in the world, and still mean because she had to move. The family's sympathetic and imaginative response helps the boy weather this difficult period. Brown's homey pictures show busy farm life and lots of activity in bright colors. Graceful, reassuring, and sensitive, with a believable cast of characters. --Leda Schubert, Vermont Department of Education, Montpelier
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• School & Library Binding: 64 pages
• Publisher: Turtleback (May 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785707832
• ISBN-13: 978-0785707837
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,315,546 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Katherine Paterson has twice won both the Newbery Medal and the National Book Award. She received the 1998 Hans Christian Andersen Medal as well as the 2006 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for the body of her work. An active promoter of reading and literacy, she lives with her husband, John, in Barre, Vermont. They have four children and seven grandchildren. Visit Katherine Paterson on her web site at www.terabithia.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good read and a cute book, December 18, 2007

By 

Etta Martis "Jeff Martis" (South of Chicago) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Smallest Cow in the World (I Can Read Book 3) (Paperback)

My nephew aged 5 immensely enjoyed this book. It was a really cute story with a surprise ending. He read it very easily, but he has a fourth grade reading level. The kidnergartener in him liked the story though although the reading level was not a challenge. Good Book, Good read, recommended.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Happy Mom, June 12, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Smallest Cow in the World (I Can Read Book 3) (Paperback)

I really enjoyed this book and felt like it dealt well with some real feelings children might have about moving. I liked how the parents handled their childs way of dealing with his problems.