Dear Farmer Brown:

The barn is very cold at night. We'd like electric blankets.

Sincerely.

The Cows.

This is what happens when a bunch of cows find an old typewriter in their barn - they write a grievance letter to direct Farmer Brown's attention to their living conditions.

"No way" says Farmer Brown. "No electric blankets."

So, you guessed it ... the cows go on strike.

More typing (click, clack, moo) and another note:

Sorry. We're closed. No milk today.

The hens join the demand for electric blankets and the peaceful strike grows.

Closed. No milk. No eggs.

Farmer Brown is furious and types a note of his own:

Dear Cows and Hens:

There are no electric blankets. You are cows and hens.

I demand milk and eggs.

Sincerely, Farmer Brown

Duck is a neutral party who carries the ultimatum to the cows.

After a long night of meetings, the cows decide to send Duck over to Farmer Brown with a compromise - they would exchange their old typewriter for electric blankets.

Farmer Brown thinks this is a pretty fair deal and leaves the blankets by the barn door. He waits for Duck to bring the typewriter from the barn.

Much to his surprise, he receives a note:

Dear Farmer Brown:

The pond is quite boring. We'd like a diving board.

Sincerely,

The Ducks

Click, Clack, Moo - Cows that Type was written by Doreen Cronin and beautifully illustrated by Betsy Lewis.

I'm going to buy several copies to give to little ones to enjoy. I bet you couldn't guess that my favorite character is Duck ... the neutral party.

Jeanette

Click here to view the book on PBS Kids