Cows, Maine and More Cows!

It started out as a random question in the car one day. But quickly, Reena’s mom and dad are on board. Reena’s mom wondered if they really wanted to keep living their lives the way they were – with both of Reena’s parents working in journalism. And in that moment, they both realized they didn’t want that! So when Reena suggests they move to Maine (where her parents met) the idea takes hold and almost before they know it, they are packed and moving up the coast to Maine! Land of cold, biting black flies, lobsters and blueberries. And it turns out, cows!

At first Luke, Reena’s younger brother and she are captivated by the black and white cows they see on their bike rides out of town. But one day they have to go visit a lady who lives in a house that looks like it is tilting a bit, and discover she has one of these cows too. Only Mrs. Falala’s cow, Zora, isn’t very nice. She is big and muddy and drooly – all the time! And Mrs. Falala seems pretty strange too. When their parents volunteer both Reena and Luke to help out Mrs. Falala, neither of them is very happy about this arrangement at all.

Moo by Sharon Creech is a super fast read that delves into how life can change pretty quickly and how a city girl and boy can discover it is possible to trade in those bright lights for the more subtle ones!

Recommended for 6th grade and up.