The Cow That Went Oink

Most slips several important morals--and considerable wit--into this entertaining barnyard tale, which centers on a cow that says ``Oink'' rather than ``Moo.'' The other cows all laugh at this poor creature (``Moo-ha''), as do all of the other animals on the farm (``Neigh-ha''; ``Baa-ha''; ``Cluck-ha''; etc.). The cow is despondent, until one day she hears a friendly ``Moo.'' Much to her surprise, the sound comes from a pig, who is also ostracized by her peers (who, of course, laugh ``Oink-ha''). The two decide to teach each other the appropriate sound to make, and persevere even when the other animals jeer at them. In the end, the cow and the pig can both ``moo'' and ``oink''--and get the last laugh, since the other creatures can only make one sound. Very young readers will love the silly animal laughs and the story's repetition. Older readers will appreciate the humor, and will absorb such subtle messages as the importance of helping others, even if they are different; of rising above the cruelty of others; and of sticking to a difficult task until it is mastered. That's a lot for one picture book to accomplish. Ages 2-8. (Sept.)