The Talking Cow (Tales of the Barn Owl Bard)

Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers’ Favorite (5 Stars) The Talking Cow: Tales of the Barn Owl Bard by Timothy Swiss is a delightful children’s picture book that takes readers on a fun farm adventure. When a family visits a dairy farm with their children, they enjoy activities like swimming in the cow tank, seeking shelter under the oak tree, and playing with kittens and frogs. The kids help with chores such as cleaning the barns, milking cows, and scooping up manure. Their Uncle Richard, who cares for the animals, loves to converse with them, even if they don’t respond. He particularly enjoys talking to Ole Bess, one of his cows. However, on this day, he gets the surprise of his life when Ole Bess replies to one of his remarks, leading to a humorous and heartwarming adventure.

The Talking Cow is a charming story that captures the joys and adventures of farm life. It is both endearing and entertaining, highlighting the importance of creating special moments with family and enjoying time spent with animals. The book teaches children about the hardworking farmers who care for the animals and the land while providing us with nourishing food. Children will learn to be kind and appreciate the simple moments that make a difference in our lives. This memorable experience unites the family, sparks their imagination, and brings laughter to their everyday chores, all from just talking to a cow. Timothy Swiss uses rhyming phrases to make the narrative playful and lyrical, incorporating humorous moments that will bring a smile to readers' faces. The beautiful illustrations complement the story and convey the vibrant atmosphere of farm life. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend sharing it with your children to encourage their love for nature and animals and to teach them valuable lessons about family, hard work, and the joys of everyday moments. End of review by Doreen Chombu

This fifth Tale of the Barn Owl Bard is the humorous presentation of an incident occurring at a dairy farm. A little girl decides to be adventurous in a secretive manner, and what occurs within the milking barn provides laughable entertainment. As with all Tales of the Barn Owl Bard, the story of The Talking Cow unfolds through twelve verses of metered and rhymed poetry.