Book Description About the Author Elizabeth Rose Stanton began her picture book writing and illustrating adventure a few years ago, after a brief career as an architect, and long career as a parent and fine artist. Her debut book, Henny, was awarded an American Library Association Booklist star and was named as one of the best books of 2014 for children by The New York Public Library. School Library Journal called her second book, Peddles, “quietly wonderful,” and the illustrations, “a thing of beauty.” Elizabeth grew up in New York and now lives in Seattle with her husband and a trio of Scottish Fold cats.Elizabeth Rose Stanton began her picture book writing and illustrating adventure a few years ago, after a brief career as an architect, and long career as a parent and fine artist. Her debut book, Henny, was awarded an American Library Association Booklist star and was named as one of the best books of 2014 for children by The New York Public Library. School Library Journal called her second book, Peddles, “quietly wonderful,” and the illustrations, “a thing of beauty.” Elizabeth grew up in New York and now lives in Seattle with her husband and a trio of Scottish Fold cats. Read more Customers Review: Wonderful illustrations and charming children’s story.
Love and patience fill this book as a donkey heads out on an impossible journey.Everyone calls this donkey Cowie because he would like nothing more than to be a cow. He gazes at them every day—how they eat and enjoy the pasture. No one every asks them to haul loads or work. So, he decides it’s finally time to become the cow he wants to be. But is it that simple?Cowie is a wonderful donkey, which is almost impossible not to love. Especially thanks to the illustrations which give him such a warm, cute and sweet appeal. His longing to become something he isn’t is also a problem every young listener faces at one time or another. So, when he heads to the other pasture and stands between the cows, it’s easy to root for him and hope he finds a way to meet his dream.It’s sweet that none of the other animals scoff at him or even try to deter him from his goal. Instead, they stand at his side and encourage him, supporting him any way they can. I was a little surprised how the book took a certain direction about halfway through, but it adds humor and makes the book into a fun read-aloud, which will draw more than a few smiles from listeners.The message is fairly clear. Cowie does end up with a smile on his face at the way things turn out. However, I’m not sure what the result is even after going through it a few times. In other words, it’s a bit open, leaving a little left for the listener to decide… and that opens up to discussions or thinking. Which is never a bad thing.The illustrations are lovingly done and fit the story perfectly. Listeners will enjoy gazing at these and fall in love with Cowie because of them. In other words, it’s a well-balanced book with lots of goodness packed inside.I received an ARC and enjoyed the story quite a bit. So, I’m leaving my honest thoughts.
First of all, Cowie is adorable; such a sweet donkey. And how fun is it that he wants to be a Cow, versus say a horse or zebra. Tired of a donkey’s life, as a “beast of burden,” Cowie decides to be a cow. Now, he just has to figure out how. Standing like a cow (oh, the parents will chuckle – spoilers), chewing his cud, or even swishing away flies like a cow – don’t make Cowie a cow. Kids will love the antics of Cowie’s friends as they try to help Cowie achieve his dream. Their humorous ideas and ultimate solution are very kid-like and satisfying. Buoyed by the beautiful pen and watercolor illustrations, this is a delightful, satisfying story on friendship and being true to oneself, even if it isn’t how you were born. |
3 reviews