Cows Can't Jump (Book Review)

Please note: this review has been moved over from my former blog for you to enjoy. It would make a great Christmas book for a special little someone. Please watch for my upcoming review of "Cows Can't Quack" coming in the next month hopefully. =D

Do you have a favorite book from your preschool years or do you have a favorite book that you remember when you started to read and loved to read to others? My personal favorites were "Beady Bear" and the Little Bear series - awesome books I still remember Dad reading to me at bedtime.

The book I'm about to review will fast become your child's favorite bedtime story. The text is very easy for kids to memorize and "read" aloud to their siblings and family. And the words are an easy introduction to sight reading. Available as a Board Book and also as a Paperback.

Games to play as you read:

1. For kids that can't sit still - Read the book to your kids while they "pantomime" the action words in the story. Ex: Cows can't jump.... but they can swim.  Pigs can't fly.... but they can wallow. Ducks can't spring... but they can waddle.
2. For kids that LOVE to draw - Give your kids a poster board and have them draw what they are hearing. Provide crayons, markers, pens, paints, etc 
3. In the car - You start a sentence by saying: Rabbits can't swim.... and the kids say but they can hop!
4. For kids that LOVE to cuddle & read: Read the book with them by pointing just under the words so they can see that what you are reading corresponds with the words on the book (this is important to all ages - even kids that are starting to read themselves).

Cows Can't Jump

By Dave Reisman

Illustrated by Jason A Maas

ISBN: 978-0-9801433-0-0 (paperback)

ISBN: 978-0-9801433-1-7 (board book)

Is it really true that cows can't jump, gorillas can't swim and sloths can't leap? Yes, but discover what these and other animals can do, as they swing, scamper and glide through Cows Can't Jump! In this humorous and inspirational adventure, animals focus on what they do best, comfortably aware they can t do everything, but proud of their own special skills. Vibrantly illustrated, Cows Can't Jump will help young readers learn diverse and dynamic words, while absorbing a subtle yet powerful message that builds self-esteem and teaches respect and humility.

My thoughts: 

This book is a great book to read with younger children. They are able to memorize it easily and "read" it for themselves and their younger siblings. It comes in a board book ($10.19) for babies and toddlers and it's also available as a paperback ($7.99) for kids in preschool and up. It's perfect for kids learning to read. The ideal book for encouraging, building esteem and teaching that while everyone can't do everything - they can do something.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received "Cows Can't Jump" for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Story of Noah's Ark - Book Review

The Story of Noah's Ark
Storybook & Wall Clings
by Lori C Froeb
Paperback, 16 pages, Age 4-8
Published by Kregel
ISBN: 9780825455520
Available on Amazon for $9.99


The story of Noah and his ark is one of the most frequently read stories in the Bible. With this deluxe set, kids can use the wall clings to recreate the awesome scene of all the animals boarding the ark. As they read about Noah and his adventure, children are prompted to stick the vinyl clings on any painted wall. The clings safely stick and easily peel right off, so kids can rearrange them however they choose and reuse them for hours of enjoyment!


The Story of Noah's Ark is a favorite of most children. It's exciting to think of having a zooful of animals in a boat and God taking care of Noah and his family too. This story is written for the preschool crowd with large cartoonish type illustrations and the story is written for little children in a conversational tone. This book also includes 2 pages of window clings that can be used on the wall or the window for children to play with and tell the story in their own words. 


The suggested age range for this book is 4-8 but I can see kids as young as 3 enjoying the clings (with some supervision to keep younger kids from eating them). The story itself can be "tweaked" for older 2 - 3 year olds provided they are able to sit still and listen to a story.


At this time there is only one book. I'd like to see other favorite bible stories included in a series. Perhaps Adam & Eve, Daniel in the Lions Den, Joseph, David & Goliath, Moses, Baby Jesus and  Paul & Timothy (for older preschoolers to early elementary age). The book is a paperback and I'd like to see it released in a hardback instead of paperback, but perhaps they chose paper due to the clings to make it easier to store them. 


The author, Lori C Froeb, has released several books for kids from Baby to Preschool. There are several wonderful board books: Noah's Ark, Creation and Baby Jesus for Babies and Toddlers. For the Preschool crowd you might want to also check out: One Special Night: the Christmas Story Pop-Up, Silent Night,  The Newborn King: a Storybook with Puzzle Scene (I suggest keeping the pieces in a ziploc baggie if you think they will get lost).


I received a complimentary copy of The Story of Noah's Ark & the Wall Clings from Kregel Publications for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review.  I received no other compensation.