The Cow That Laid an Egg

Title: The Cow That Laid an Egg

Author: Andy Cutbill

Illustrator: Russell Ayto

Picture book for ages (approximately) 5 and up

Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Summary:

This book is about a cow Marjorie who is nice but insecure because she can’t do handstands and ride a bike like the other cows, so the chickens decide to make her special by convincing her she has laid an egg.

Opinion:

This is a cute story. I really like that Marjorie didn’t just learn to stand on her head and ride a bike so she could become just like the other cows. She was different and special and that was okay in the end. Kids, and some adults for that matter, all want to be cool and accepted but think they need to be just like everyone else in order to do that. That is such a false statement. First of all we can’t be the same as someone else, it’s impossible. Secondly, what’s so wrong with being original? I do wish, however, that she had found a talent of her own, something else she was good at, rather than having the chickens plant an egg under her. She is still different in the story, but she’s accepted because of something that really doesn’t have to do with her and her talents and quarks.

The illustrations in this book are wonderful and often funny. They are entertaining and enjoyable to look at, sometimes showing elements not described with the text of the story.

I would use this book in my classroom, but probably just on my library shelf. There isn’t anything super special or important related in this book that I would specifically pull it out for a lesson or study.  Yes, it speaks a little to being yourself and not becoming a copy of someone else, but I’m sure I could find a book which tells that tale much better.