When Bluebell Sang

Bluebell is no ordinary cow; this bovine beauty has an amazing singing voice. Farmer Swenson takes her to perform in town, where a nasty talent scout discovers her. Big Eddie lures Bluebell (and Swenson) away from the farm for a cross-country concert tour, where Bluebell becomes all the rage, setting fashion trends and winning the heart of anyone who hears her. As the months pass, Bluebell and Swenson become increasingly homesick. When they finally realize what a chiseler Big Eddie really is, Bluebell comes up with an ingenious scheme to get them home and to keep them there. And although she sheds her fancy duds and becomes one of the herd again, Bluebell continues to sing privately. Ernst's heroine exhibits a great deal of spunk, depicted in full-color illustrations that cram plenty of action into each page. Souvenirs and mementos of the grand tour also grace the book. Bluebell may have given up concerts, but she'll continue to win readers' hearts. Ages 3-6. (Mar.)