Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Farm animals go on strike in funny, award-winning book.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
The animals on Farmer Brown's farm find a typewriter and the Cows type a request: \"Dear Farmer Brown, The barn is very cold at night. We'd like dome electric blankets. Sincerely, the Cows.\" The farmer types a note in response -- \"No way\" -- and tacks it on the barn door. So the animals go on strike: The Cows refuse to give milk and the Hens refuse to give eggs. A few notes go back and forth, then Duck finally offers to trade the typewriter for electric blankets and the strike's over. But then Duck demands a diving board for the pond.
Is It Any Good?
CLICK, CLACK, MOO: COWS THAT TYPE is funny, clever, offbeat, silly and all around delightful. Kids will enjoy seeing those who are bossed around stand up for themselves and resist. And they'll also get a lesson in how to negotiate and get your way without throwing a tantrum. This modern classic inspired the sequels Giggle, Giggle, Quack; Dooby Dooby Moo; Thump, Quack, Moo; the Halloween-themed Click, Clack, Boo!: A Tricky Treat, and Duck for President.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it means to go on strike. What demands might be on your list, and what might you trade to get your way?
Have you read any of the other books in this series featuring the Cows, Duck, and Farmer Brown? How does this one compare?
What's funny about cows using a typewriter? Have you ever seen one or used one? How's a typewriter different from a computer?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Betsy Lewin
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Animals
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little Simon
- Publication date : February 1, 2000
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 8
- Number of pages : 32
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Caldecott Medal and Honors
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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