After hitting nonfiction yesterday, I thought it was time for a bit more fun. The title of today's read caught my attention, and the lovely pig body guards surrounding the cow. I have a soft spot for secret service vibes and pigs...never knew I did until I saw this book.
Anyway, I'm expecting a message...not sure why, but something about it screams 'message'. And I'm pretty sure I know what it will be. I just hope there's enough humor along the way to make me smile or even raise an eyebrow.
So, let's jump in and see if this cow is something Wall Street needs to watch out for or not.
(Note: I'm shoving this one over to my possible favorites of the year pile, since it was quite cleverly and carefully done)
THE RICHEST COW IN THE WORLD
by Barroux
Kids Can Press
Picture Book
32 pages
ages 4 to 8
COMING...
SEPTEMBER 2nd!!!
A tranquil cow is presented with an amazing entrepreneurial opportunity in this delightful fable from Barroux.
Cow enjoys lying in the shade of her apple tree, listening to the wind blow through the leaves and watching the clouds float across the sky. Looking at all the apples on the tree, Pig begins to spin an elaborate and ever-expanding tale about how Cow could sell the apples, make pies and applesauce and sell those too, plant more trees, and on and on … Soon, Cow could have a multinational food company and become the richest cow in the world! Cow listens patiently to Pig’s grand ideas. But what comes next after fame and fortune? Cow shows Pig that she’s got a much better plan.
This charming picture book from internationally renowned, award-winning children’s book creator Barroux offers a captivating 21st-century take on the classic fisherman parable about what really makes people happy in life. The fantastical story is illustrated with simple, humorous watercolor artwork in a limited palette. It’s sure to enchant, even as it sparks deeper discussions about money and what it means to be content. This book makes a crowd-pleasing read-aloud. It also highlights critical thinking, career aspirations and self-respect.
MY TIDBITS
Dreams clash against a comfortable reality to create food for thought, which will delight not only young readers but make older ones think.
Cow spends her days lazing under an apple tree, gazing at passing clouds. And she has tons of apples around her. When Pig asks if he can have an apple, too, he begins to speculate about what could be done with the apples. He tells Cow about the various ways she could really make something out of the apples...and how she could become amazingly rich from it. But Cow isn't quite convinced.
This is a lovely picture book, which glides smoothly through the story and creates a world to get lost in. There's a wonderful balance between text and illustrations as not every page holds words. Instead, the text comes when needed, and that as much as needed. It makes sure that everything leaves the intended impact and lets the atmosphere remain strong the entire way through. It creates a nice read aloud and invites listeners to pick up the book later and explore it on their own.
The story is also clever. Pig's dreams show that huge things can be achieved if effort and thought is put into something. While Pig might go a bit extreme at the end, it still inspires readers/listeners to think beyond what might seem simple, at first. There's a sense of entrepreneurship and determination, which might awaken ideas in listeners'/readers' minds. But the book, then, takes a different twist to show that it's important to know why a person chases a dream. While there are promises of success and riches, the purpose of sacrificing for these goals also has to have a sense to it. And that becomes clear in these pages.
It creates plenty of food for thought in a very entertaining way, and offers a nice step into discussions and further contemplations in all the right ways.
And here he is...
Born in Paris and raised in Morocco, Barroux has a passion for travel and exploring other cultures. It’s no surprise that he approaches each new book he is illustrating as if it’s the beginning of an adventure. Barroux strives to create unusual artwork, and when creating picture-book art, he always tries to surprise the little kid that’s inside of him. Despite all of the countries and faraway lands he’s explored, Barroux still believes that life in books, where dogs can fly and trees are blue, is more extraordinary. He has illustrated and, in some instances, written numerous books for children for various publishers, including Blue Apple Books, Running Press, Simon & Schuster, Viking and Kids Can Press.
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