THE COW THAT LAID AN EGG

Not since Farmer Brown’s cows learned how to type has there been such an entertaining uproar in the barnyard. Marjorie the Holstein feels inferior to the other cows who can do handstands and ride bicycles. Determined to raise Marge’s self-esteem, the chickens conspire to plant a black-and-white egg under her, which, while raising suspicions among the cows, brings her widespread fame. Doubts are confirmed when motherly Marge hatches a tiny feathered creature. Marge, however, has the last laugh when the new hatchling, though clearly a chicken, pronounces a loud “Moo.” The blend of restrained storytelling, which treats bike-riding cows as conceivable, and the extravagantly bold, outlandish cartoon-and-collage illustrations, creates a merry farmstead farce that will tickle young audiences. (Picture book. 4-8)