 | |
| Author | Mem Fox |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Terry Denton |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's picture book |
| Published | 2006 (Penguin/Viking) |
| Publication place | Australia |
| Media type | Print (hardback) |
| Pages | 32 (unpaginated) |
| ISBN | 9780670042319 |
| OCLC | 156734951 |
A Particular Cow is a 2006 children's picture book by Mem Fox and illustrated by Terry Denton. It is about a cow that usually goes on an uneventful walk every Saturday until one Saturday all this changes.
Reviews of A Particular Cow were mixed. Kirkus Reviews compared it to Rosie's Walk , and although writing that "Denton captures the chaos in simple, bland cartoon illustrations, and Fox’s repeated use of "particular" gives the text a playful beat ..", criticised it for being too short and instead recommended Mr. Gumpy's Outing , and Great Gracie Chase: Stop That Dog! . [1] A reviewer for Bookseller+Publisher wrote: "Putting it all together, I found A Particular Cow a fine idea, but was a little disappointed in its execution". [2] In contrast, Publishers Weekly wrote that "the book's slapstick-humor and verbal dexterity will delight youngsters—as will the particular idea that sometimes, even an ordinary walk can turn into something quite extraordinary". [3] School Library Journal wrote that "the story is told with a dry wit and an economy of words, and the illustrations interpret the action with panache". [4]
A Particular Cow has also been reviewed by the following magazines: Horn Book Guides , [5] and Library Media Connection. [6]
It is a 2007 ABIA Australian Book of the Year for Younger Children shortlisted book. [7]
The cartoonish black-ink and watercolor illustrations set the silly scene.
Mem Fox has created an absolutely delightful story ... Young children, as well as adults, will enjoy these extraordinary adventures of a cow and her walk.