''A Particular Cow'' is a 2006 children's picture book by

Mem Fox Merrion Frances "Mem" Fox, AM (born Merrion Frances Partridge; 5 March 1946) is an Australian writer of children's books and an educationalist specialising in literacy. Fox has been semi-retired since 1996, but she still gives seminars and l ...

and illustrated by

Terry Denton Terry Denton (born 26 July 1950) is an Australian illustrator and author. He is married and has three children. He is the second youngest of five boys and was born and grew up in Melbourne, Victoria. Denton now lives in Mornington, Victoria. Den ...

. It is about a

cow Cattle (''Bos taurus'') are large, domesticated, cloven-hooved, herbivores. They are a prominent modern member of the subfamily Bovinae and the most widespread species of the genus ''Bos''. Adult females are referred to as cows and adult ma ...

that usually goes on an uneventful walk every Saturday until one Saturday all this changes.

Reception

Reviews of ''A Particular Cow'' were mixed. ''

Kirkus Reviews ''Kirkus Reviews'' (or ''Kirkus Media'') is an American book review magazine founded in 1933 by Virginia Kirkus (1893–1980). The magazine is headquartered in New York City. ''Kirkus Reviews'' confers the annual Kirkus Prize to authors of fic ...

'' 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!''. 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". In contrast, ''

Publishers Weekly ''Publishers Weekly'' (''PW'') is an American weekly trade news magazine targeted at publishers, librarians, booksellers, and literary agents. Published continuously since 1872, it has carried the tagline, "The International News Magazine of B ...

'' 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". ''

School Library Journal ''School Library Journal'' (''SLJ'') is an American monthly magazine containing reviews and other articles for school librarians, media specialists, and public librarians who work with young people. Articles cover a wide variety of topics, with ...

'' wrote that "the story is told with a dry wit and an economy of words, and the illustrations interpret the action with panache". ''A Particular Cow'' has also been reviewed by the following magazines: '' Horn Book Guides'', and ''Library Media Connection''. It is a 2007 ABIA Australian Book of the Year for Younger Children shortlisted book.

References

External links

Library holdings of ''A Particular Cow''
{{DEFAULTSORT:Particular Cow, A Australian picture books 2006 children's books Picture books by Mem Fox Children's books about cattle