Farmer Brown has a problem. His cows have found a typewriter … and they know how to use it. All day long Farmer Brown hears “Click clack moo” coming from his barn. That’s enough to drive him crazy, but things get worse when he finds the note that the literate cows have typed for him. Since the farm is cold at night, they are demanding electric blankets. If their demand is not met, they go on strike, withholding their milk.

Typing cows and intense barnyard labor negotiations are the amusingly outlandish premise of the award-winning children’s book by Doreen Cronin, Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type. Cronin presents a creative and enjoyable story with a good deal of clever humor. I can’t even explain why I find the line about the duck delivering the message because he is a “neutral party” so hilarious, but I do. Betsy Lewin provides some very nice illustrations as well, bringing the animals and their frustrated farmer to life.

My only issue with this book is that it does present some questionable lessons for children. I suppose it’s a good way to introduce the concepts of how unions fight for workers’ rights, which is a good thing. However, some of the humor involves manipulation and bargain-breaking on the part of some of the animals. I know, it’s just a silly story that isn’t meant to be taken so seriously. But parents should still be prepared to combat their children’s thinking that they can go on chore-strike until they get a pony.

Aside from that, Click Clack Moo is a fun book that will provide laughs for both children and adults. Even if you have to explain to your children what a typewriter is, they’re sure to get plenty of enjoyment reading this one over and over again. Pick it up for your little ones … before they demand it.

Recommended: Yes