The Cow That Laid an Egg

This is a clever yet subtle book about friendship and adoption. Marjorie the cow has no special skill or talent that makes her stand out, so her friends the chickens lay a cow-spotted egg for her and slip underneath her while she sleeps. Marjorie and the farm becomes world famous as the first cow to lay an egg. (This part is almost reminiscent of Wilbur in Charolette's Web.) Her envious cow-mates don't like having the spotlight taken away, so they go out to prove that Marjorie didn't lay the egg. After weeks of waiting, the egg hatches and out pops a chicken. The chicken, being held by Marjorie, looks at its new mother and says "MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" The chicken may not have come from inside the cow, but the cow is its Mommy. And what show more was especially touching is that Marjorie names her adopted baby "Daisy." (My first daughter's name is Daisy and I'm not her biological mother.)

The cut & paste and collage style of the illustrations are bright, funny, and make the farm animals surprisingly expressive. show less

This is a witty, amusing, and well-crafted story that reminds the reader that camaraderie and love can be found in unexpected places. One of the greatest merits is the relatable characters. Although Marjorie is a cow, the feeling of sadness and failure in comparison to other peers is something to which many children can relate.

Marjorie the cow doesn’t feel very special because she can’t ride bicycles or do handstands like the other cows. So her friends- chickens- hatch a cunning plan to help her feel special. One morning, Marjorie is astonished to discover something extraordinary, She‘s laid an egg! But the other cows don’t believe it until the new born chicken said “MOOOOO!” loudly to Marjorie.

I love this book because it has been wonderfully designed and the text is in perfect harmony with the incredible funny illustrations. The fun is in the details, especially the black Holstein-like patches on Marjorie’s egg. I also loved the animals expressions; sometimes subtle, sometimes blatant, always hilarious. The layout, the design, the pacing, and show more the skilled lines with different size letters -- all work together beautifully. show less

I thought the illustrations were really cool. The story is about wanting to feel special, but it doesn't beat you over the head about it. Great for storytime, I think.

Simple, silly and charming picture book of a cow named Marjorie who felt "down in the dumps" until the chickens helped her to lay an egg. The pictures are expressive and delightful - especially the open-mouthed amazement - and will make both kids and adults laugh. I loved the ending!

Marjorie doesn't feel special. All the other cows are riding bicycles and doing handstands, but not Marjorie.

In a burst of pity, the chickens sneak an egg into Majorie's bed. Suddenly, she's more special than anyone - and the other cows are jealous. Did Marjorie really lay an egg? Only time will tell, as they all wait for the egg to hatch....

The pictures are full of exuberant humor and wide wacky grins, as Marjorie, with the help of the chickens, finds herself becoming special after all!

Verdict: A light by wackily humorous tale. An additional purchase

ISBN: 978-0061372957; Published January 2008 by HarperCollins; Borrowed from the library

Love the idea of the book that 'anything is possible' and how friends can make a great difference in your life.