Told in stupendously succinct rhyming couplets, we are introduced to glad cows, ostensibly the Holstein Friesians and their neighbours, the horned Herefords who unfortunately are the sad cows.
Their despair displaces into anger (mad cows) presumably as their pasture is somewhat lacking in comparison to the Friesians who indulge in lush green paddocks. Yes, it appears the grass really is greener on the other side.
An upsurging cow coup d’etat ensues creating more mad and bad cows. Retaliation and final respite result in … well you’ll have to visit the rolling pastures yourself to discover that clever little conclusion.
Apel’s rhythmic way with words and natural affinity with rural life ensure an authentic comic air for this simple but far-reaching picture book. Not since Lachie Hume’s Clancy The Courageous Cow have I experience such audacious bovine behaviour nor have I enjoyed a spell in the country so much.
Where economy of words is the key to repeated readings of Mad Cows, Beau Whylie’s outrageous illustrations of the two opposing herds provides all the plotline clues young readers need to fathom what is actually going on. Bulging udders, tapered limbs and eyebrows to rival Groucho Marx’s express a full wheel of emotions along with plenty of laugh out loud moments to hoof, er, to boot.
Udderly moovalleous pure chaotic joy.
Title: Mad Cows
Author: Kathryn Apel
Illustrator: Beau Whylie
Publisher: Scholastic Australia, $19.99
Publication Date: 1 September 2024
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761127656
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book
