Clack, Clack, Moo Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Betsy Lewin is a 2001 Caldecott Honors recipient. This children's book tells the story of Farmer Brown and his farm animals who discover an old-fashioned typewriter (hence the title--clack, clack) and with it, a way to communicate requests, which soon become ultimatums. The illustrations are large and colorful and appear to be outlined, which make them stand out from the page and come alive, especially for the 3-7 year-old age group this book is targeted towards. The cows, the chickens, and eventually the ducks all get into the act of typing notes to Farmer Brown with requests for electric blankets and diving boards. Unfortunately, there are no compromises, only ultimatums, which in real life usually creates situations with no real winners.
I would recommend the book as a teaching tool for upper grades when discussing the industrial revolution and the rise of labor unions. The subject of unions, strikes, and collective bargaining can be difficult to explain to a 10 year old and this book could help them understand the basic ideas behind these concepts. The vocabulary includes words like ultimatum, strike, impatient, and neutral. The age group of 3-7 would require a vocabulary lesson before they could comprehend the story.
My opinion is, of course, colored by my personal associations with both union members and management. When I asked a member of management who recently went through an ugly strike their opinion, I was surprised when they said they thought it was a cute book that children would enjoy and that they would recommend. When I asked them how they could have that reaction considering their recent experiences, they said, "it is a children's book, it's cute and funny--you(me) should not take everything so politically!" With that rebuke, I admit the book would probably entertain small children with its illustrations and imaginative storyline, however, the vocabulary is not suited to younger students.
Cronin and Lewin have also collaborated on Duck for President and Dooby Dooby Moo to name a few. Duck for President is an interesting take on what can be a confusing and distant subject to the average 5th grader. Farmer Brown appears in this tale, as do the colorful, outlined illustrations by Lewin. You can visit the website www.duckforpresident.com and www.doreencronin.com for more activities and teaching ideas.
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