Clancy the Courageous Cow (review)

The only beltless cow in a herd of Belted Galloway cattle (black cows with a white band across their midsection), Clancy "was different, and nothing could be done about it." His beltlessness proves to be an advantage, however, when it comes to getting into the rich pastures occupied by the fat Herefords, who can't see the all-black Clancy sneaking into the field at night. Clancy bulks up so well that he's chosen to represent the Belted Galloways in the annual wrestling match that decides possession of the good grazing; when he wins, he declares that it's time to "pull down the fence and be cows together," a decision particularly celebrated by Clancy himself—and his Hereford mate, Helga. The acceptance-of-differences theme is an old standard, but Australian author Hume provides a singular and quirky exploration of it; though the plot meanders to the point via the scenic route, the scenery is fairly entertaining, with the detailed examination of cattle wrestling particularly likely to get kids mooing with laughter. Stylized line-and-watercolor cartoons feature comically flat perspectives, with spare and simple backgrounds adorned with blocky herds of cattle peering at each other through googly eyes. With its sly silliness and dorky competitiveness, this is sure to tickle young human livestock.