Cows Can’t Jump by Dave Reisman and Illustrated by Jason A. Maas. Ages 4+ (Easily enjoyable for children ages 1 to 6). 44 pages. Jumping Cow Press. October 2008. ISBN-13: 978-0980143300 Fiction. $7.99 Paperback, $11.99 Board book, $3.99 ebook.
At a Glance:
This book works great as an early reader or as a baby book. Humorously depicted animals, bright and bold cartoon illustrations, and repeating text of what each animal can and cannot do, makes this an entertaining book that has taught my son some great vocabulary words. I highly, highly recommend it!
(I asked my two-year-old son if he thinks other people would like this book and he said, “Yes!” I asked him why they would like it and he said, “Because I like it.” Fair enough.)
Summary:
19 different animals and their actions are discussed and illustrated in Cows Can’t Jump. The illustrations are done in bright and bold colors. The cartoon animals are drawn with bold, black lines with expressive facial features. The story repeats with interchangeable animals and what actions they can and cannot do.
Cows can’t jump…but they can swim.
Gorillas can’t swim…but they can swing.
Giraffes can’t swing… but they can gallop.
Our Experience Reading this Book:
I have read this book to my son over and over again. He loves it. It’s funny and entertaining. The cartoon illustrations make it accessible to him. He’s learned some great vocabulary words: stampede, wallow, spring (as in to leap), scurry, and canter, which he has promptly incorporated into his pretend play. “Hurry, Mama, let’s scurry!” is one of my favorite phrases that he’s started saying.
I wish I had known about this book sooner. I would have loved to read this book to him when he was a baby. Cows Can’t Jump comes in several formats, with my personal favorite being the board book. It’s quite large, about twice the size of a typical board book, both in length and width. The large illustrations and text make the book especially engaging. We also have the paperback version of this book, and keep that in the car. My son has memorized this book, and he often “reads” it to me when I’m driving.
I’ve also found my son looking through this book by himself on several occasions. We own hundreds upon hundreds of picture books (maybe nearing the thousand mark) — so it is noteworthy when he singles out a book to read on his own.
This will be a great early reader book as well. The font and words are very clear. The illustrated actions and animals will help him figure out what the words are, along with him already having the book memorized.
I’m very pleased with this book. The illustrations, the repetitive yet changing phrases, and the vocabulary, are great things to help him as he learns to read. They are all also entertaining and fun. It’s the best of both worlds.
Ignore the age recommendation of 4+ — it’s great for a baby, it great for a toddler, and even for a child as old as six or seven. It’s simply a fantastic book for kids. This book can set an early reader up for success and can also entertain a baby.
There’s another book by Dave Reisman and Illustrated by Jason A. Maas: Cows Can’t Quack. It, too, is fantastic. I’ll be posting a review for this book soon.
Author/Illustrator Websites:
- Dave Reisman: http://www.jumpingcowpress.com/
- Jason A. Maas: http://www.jasonamaas.com/art-after-sandy/ (After Sandy, he is now working with an organization Respond & Rebuild to help homeowners with rebuilding.)
Some of Our Favorite Reviews of this Book:
- http://girlsinthestacks.com/reviews/2011/01/cows-cant-jump-by-dave-reisman-illustrations-by-jason-a-maas/
- http://armsofasister.com/2011/07/30/review-cows-cant-jump-by-dave-reisman-illustrated-by-jason-a-maas/
- http://luxuryreading.com/cowscantjump/
- http://wrightysreads.blogspot.com/2011/06/review-cows-cant-jump-by-dave-reisman.html
- http://thereadingtub.com/childrens-book-reviews.php?book=COWS-CANT-JUMP-by-Dave-Reisman
Resources:
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4WtxKoal-c (Just for fun — Here’s a gratuitous video of a cow, in fact, jumping over a horse jump.)
Where Obtained: I received a review copy from the publisher. No other compensation was received. The opinions expressed here are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Love your son’s response to your question…so matter of fact!
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He definitely doesn’t mince words at this point. Sometimes it is helpful and good and sometimes well… 🙂
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Honesty and being matter of fact are his specialties. 🙂 (For better or for worse.) 🙂
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You find – and share – the most interesting books!
The cow’s expression is priceless. Will look for this one!
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Sometimes I find the books and sometimes I’m lucky enough to have the books find me. 🙂
All the animals in this book have hilarious expressions. It’s a fun book!
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Omigosh! That looks hilarious. Great recommendation! 🙂
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Thank you!
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The thought of a cow jumping makes for an interesting vision. That cover cracks me up! And I like the sound of it all. I’ll have to check this one out! Thanks for sharing!
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🙂 My pleasure! I think you’ll love it!
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Going on the wish list. I think my almost-3-year-old will find it funny.
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It’s good times! 🙂 We read it all the time and my son likes it as much as ever.
It sounds like our sons are about the same age and from reading your blog they seem to be into the same things! 🙂
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