May 16, 2014

Perfect Picture Book Friday - Cock-a-Doodle Oops! PLUS A Giveaway!!!

Thank goodness it's Friday!

I've been waiting for MONTHS to share this book with you (because I was lucky enough to get an advance copy), and it's finally officially out, so I can finally post it for Perfect Picture Book Friday!

Not only that, but I have a signed copy to give away to one lucky commenter!  All you have to do is bake me cookies er tell me and Lori which farm animal you are and why in the comments :)

I, for example, would be the horse because I am beautiful and graceful and I can run like the wind...

*snort*

Yeah, I didn't think anyone would buy that :)  I can't even sell it to myself :)  But I do really love horses - that should count for something!

If it's too hard to think of yourself as a farm animal on Friday morning at the end of a long week, you can just tell us who you'd like the book for.  That will be less sporting and some people might judge you for wimping out, but not me!  Nosirreebob!  I will not think any less of you if you don't have the gumption to declare to the world that you belong in the donkey shed!

Title: Cock-a-Doodle Oops!
Written By: Lori Degman
Illustrated By: Deborah Zemke
Creston Books, May 2014, Fiction

Suitable For Ages: 3-8

Themes/Topics: friendship, helping others, jobs, animals (farm)

Opening: "Farmer McPeeper was such a deep sleeper;
not even an earthquake could shake him.
A poke or a pinch wouldn't budge him an inch,
'cause only his rooster could wake him."

Brief Synopsis: Poor Rooster!  He's tired of getting up so early every morning!  What he needs is a vacation.  Leaving the other animals in charge, Rooster heads for the beach.  Animal after animal tries their best, but no one can wake Farmer McPeeper.  Rooster's return is greeted with relief, but he's caught a cold.  How will they ever get the sleepy Farmer up now?

Links To Resources: Teacher's Guide to Cock-A-Doodle Oops,  Farm animal coloring pages, classroom activities to learn about volunteers, emergency animal rescue, what do I want to be when I grow up, workers and the work they do.  Talk about jobs kids are familiar with and what kind of skills are necessary to do those jobs, or what personality traits would be helpful.  Talk about friendship and what kinds of things friends might do for each other.  Enjoy the YouTube video where Marissa Moss reads the story aloud HERE.

Why I Like This Book:  This book is fun from start to finish!  The rhyme is expertly written, catchy, and fun to read aloud.  The attempts of the various animals to wake the sleeping farmer are hilarious, and kids will enjoy calling out the different crows - cock-a-doodle moo, cock-a-doodle baa, etc.  The illustrations are bright and colorful and a perfect match for the story.  When Rooster returns from his vacation with a cold, the animals have to come up with an inventive solution to get the farmer out of bed.  When at last the farmer is up, he delivers a surprise ending that is clever and funny... but I can't say what it is here because that would be telling :)  Just mosey on out and get yourself a copy.  You won't be sorry.  It's delightful :)

For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.

Lori and I were going to do a little interview or something to go along with this post, but it appears we didn't quite get our act together in time.  I don't know how that happened.  I am the epitome of organization.  Ask anyone.  And please ignore the rapidly increasing length of my nose :)

So anyway, at the very least, here's Lori :)

Lori Degman is a teacher of Deaf/Hard of Hearing students by day and a writer of picture books by night, weekend and school holiday. She lives in a northern suburb of Chicago with her husband and two dogs. Her debut picture book, 1 Zany Zoo was the winner of the Cheerios New Author Contest and a mini version was distributed inside 2.2 million boxes of Cheerios. The hardcover was published by Simon & Schuster in 2010. Ms. Degman's second picture book, Cock-a-Doodle Oops! was released by Creston Books on May 13th.


You can also see a wonderful interview with her over at Laura Sassi's HERE, another review of Cock-A-Doodle Oops at Sue Morris's HERE, and another terrific interview at Carrie Brown's HERE.

Now then, my little chickens, get thee to the comments and tell us which farm animal you are and why (or just tell us who you'd like the book for), and one lucky commenter will get a signed copy of this fabulous book!

OR...

Ooh!  How 'bout this?

If you REALLY want to impress us, you can write your own crowing line!  Examples from Lori's book are:
Her cock-a-doodle-cluck didn't have any pluck
His cock-a-doodle-bleeeeat just couldn't compete
Her cock-a-doodle-whoooooooo just didn't ring true
What kind of rhyming crow can you think up for the farmyard animal of your choice??? :)

Please leave your comment by Sunday May 18 at 5 PM EDT and then random.org will choose the winner and I will announce it on Monday.

PPBF bloggers, please leave your post-specific link in the list below so we can all come visit you and see what treasures you have to share this week!

Have a lovely weekend, everyone!!! :)


99 comments:

  1. This_Kid_Reviews_Books_ErikMay 16, 2014 at 7:06 AM

    Hmm... I think I would be the hound dog. They eat a lot, are kind (normally), and sleep a lot. Pretty fitting for me. ;) Hmm... "His cock-a-doodle-woof just didn't touch the roof." How's that for a crowing line?
    This book sounds great! :D

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  2. I LOVE horses ... had six of them during my formative years ... how about this: Their cock-a-doodle naaaaaay, well, I really can't say (though truth be told, it lasted all day!).

    Thanks for a fun contest and what looks to be an excellent new release!

    Barbara

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  3. How fun. I love the first page. The rhyme is so bouncy. I would be a baby chick, cute and adorable. haha. I would give this book to my niece.

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  4. Good Morning! I was kind of sleepy before all the crowing started. Thanks for the review. The opening lines are stellar, a great example of polished poetry. I am definitely a farm cat. I like to sleep all day and I start getting energetic when the sun goes down. If you asked me to wake the farmer early, I'd say, "Cock-a-doodle-snore, Let's not try this anymore."

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  5. Lori's book looks wonderful! How about "His cock-a-doodle-baaa, just sound to blahhh."

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  6. This sounds like such a cute book! I love the Title!


    And yes, I love the book and want a copy because I do belong in the donkey shed along with Edmund Pickle Chin my favorite donkey. :)

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  7. This sounds like another winner from Lori. Her books are such beautiful read-alouds! Cock a doodle squawk, no work just all talk!

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  8. If I were 7yrs old again, I might say cow because I loved the thought of a purple one, even though purple has never been my favorite color. But my personality governs my decision now, and I believe I'd be a duck: Her cock-a-doodle squeak never even left her beak! I am really looking forward to reading Lori's book to add to my 'Degman Collection' - has a nice ring to it, eh?

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  9. This sounds like such a Perfect Picture Book! I think that I would be a farm dog because, well, because I am! But alas my cockadoodle ruff! hasn't got enough snuff! So maybe I'll be the farmer lady instead - driving the tractor! Yes!

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  10. Love, Love, Love this book! The rhyme is perfect and perfect for my brand new a-month-early, great- nephew! I would love this to be his first author signed book!

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  11. Hmm. Maybe a little goat. :) This book looks fun. We'll have to find a copy (or win one, maybe?) Have a great day.

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  12. Oh my goodness! That opening stanza is STELLAR. Congratulations, Lori! The book isn't available in Italy yet, but I've put a watch on it and will definitely add this to our collection. WAHOO!


    Susanna, you crack me up with the "no pressure on choosing a farm animal" thing. You should do stand up!


    I would be a barn cat for sure because I don't want to work that hard.


    My cock-a-doodle mew just caused a hulla-mew-baloo. :)

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  13. Aw, sweet beak rhyme, Julie!

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  14. Darling book! I heard it read on a video I found (somewhere I can't remember now), but it is fun, fun fun! I would have to say I am a mouse (quiet and always watching from the background). So "My cock-a-doodle-squeak was pathetically weak."

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  15. This sounds hilarious...I love farm books esp. rhyming ones. I'd love to be a cow...they always seem serene...however my family would say I should be a cat because I'm so finicky. But for a rhyme I could only think of "Pig's cock-a-doodle-snort wasn't worth a report." And if I won the drawing I would give the book to my almost 4 yr old grandblessing for her birthday. I promise I would not keep it for myself and put it on the special bookshelf for 'Ga-ga has to read it to you' for safe-keeping shelf. Really.........Also - sorry I couldn't do a PPBF this week some appointments got in the way.

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  16. Congrats, Aunt Kathy!

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  17. You crack me up, Susanna. :)
    I was lucky enough to get my own signed copy at Lori's book launch the other day -- it's SOOO much fun! A wonderful read-aloud! (If my name is drawn, give someone else a chance.)
    I am going to be a goat. That way I can climb, be a bit bossy, and eat everything in sight. And I could grow a great playoff beard. And I am ashamed that, as a city girl, I have no idea what sound a goat makes. *awkwardly looks away*

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  18. This book looks like TOO much fun - and I would love to win it (for myself! I am studying this stuff - yanno??). I am probably a rooster because, well, I talk too much and annoy folks with my preening ;)

    And I am contemplating/thinking/praying about starting to do PPBF with you guys (especially since I'm reading one a day, and have at least a couple in mind already!). May have to look into the "rules" at some point. You know, when I have time. :::roll:::

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  19. Oh, I just adore this premise. Lori's execution looks fabulous. And cock-a-doodle-prose are so fun to compose!

    If I were a barnyard animal, I'd have to be a penguin (because I love to be random). My cock-a-doodle-GROCK couldn't muster a shock....

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  20. oh, this looks like such a fun book - and I really love the idea of heading to the beach for a week, along with Rooster. If I were a farm animal I'd want to be a sheep - definitely on a damp, cold day like today. I love my woolly sweaters and the rain-repellent lanolin in my fleece. Plus I could say bah! when I feel churlish.

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  21. You're so funny, Sue :) I'm sure you are NEVER churlish :) Enjoy your rain-repellent fleece :)

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  22. It IS such a fun book, Iza! And I like your piggy rhyme :)

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  23. Hahaha :) What an individual you are, Victoria :) You will love this book when you get a chance to read it - super fun!

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  24. Definitely feel free to join us any time, Joanne! Fair warning, though, PPBF will go on hiatus for the summer because I have enough trouble keeping up when my house ISN'T full of kids - there's no hope in the summer :)

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  25. It is really terrific, isn't it? And you have a signed copy from the launch? You were actually there? Never mind a goat, you're a lucky duck! :)

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  26. It IS tons of fun, Laura, and I know you're grand blessings will enjoy it whether they're allowed to read it themselves or only under your supervision :) Absolutely no worries about PPBF - I can't keep up anyway :)

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  27. It was probably the same video that is linked to above in the post :) It is a really fun book, isn't it? I love your mouse rhyme :)

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  28. With a rhyming crow like that, you could WIN the book and not worry about when it's available in Italy :) I think you would make a very good cat :)

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  29. Yes, definitely! Enzo will love it :) It's a little like Can't Sleep Without Sheep in a way :)

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  30. Aw! Congratulations, Great Aunt Kathy :) Hope the little fellow is doing well in spite of his early arrival!

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  31. Hahaha! Excellent, Rhythm! I love your rhyme and your desire to drive the tractor :)

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  32. It does indeed have a nice ring :) I love both her books, and I'm sure there will be more excellent ones to come! Love your duck rhyme :) What about your personality makes you a duck? Are you quackers? :)

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  33. Hahaha! Great rhyme, Joanna! And I agree - Lori's books are terrific!

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  34. Yay! Someone's in the donkey shed! A great place to be if you get to hang out with Edmund :)

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  35. That's a GREAT one, Pat - I love it :)

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  36. Perfect, Joanne :) I love it! Glad the crowing roused you in time to join the fun :)

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  37. I saw your TBT photo on FB, Tina - you are a baby chick :)

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  38. Hurray! Another horse lover! 6, Barbara! Wow! Do you still have one? Love your rhyme, and it is an excellent new release. If you don't win it, I hope you'll still get a chance to read it!

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  39. It is a great book, Erik - you will love it! And I love your rhyme. Clearly you have been hanging out with Clyde learning the language - don't worry, keep practicing, and soon your woof will touch the roof :)

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  40. Where are the love buttons for rhymes like this?

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  41. POSTED FOR LINDA ANDERSON

    I'd like to be a pig because farm fresh air increases my appetite. Any excuse for pigging out! Please enter me in the drawing. I'd love a copy of this one!

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  42. I am definitely a fan of pigging out :) Especially if there's Something Chocolate involved :)

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  43. You know, there's just something about "love button" that doesn't sound quite right... :)

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  44. Oh - thanks for that heads up, Susanna! Totally understand. May still hop in at least once or twice before that (depending on when your hiatus begins). Got one in mind that I shared with every human who entered my house - might as well share it with my online folks too :D.

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  45. Yes! And opinionated. Ducks are the most opinionated in the barnyard!

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  46. Great book! Love the rhyme!


    How about other sounds from the farm yard:
    his cock-a-doodle-splat, meant you better wear a hat

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  47. oh, and I'm the barnyard cat snoozing on a hay bale in the sunshine

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  48. Hahaha! And watch where you step :) Good one, Jill :)

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  49. That sounds lovely right about now, while the rain is pouring down and the wind is threatening to blow the house over! :)

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  50. Well now you've got me curious, so I hope you post it! :)

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  51. Cock-a-doodle-mama
    I'd like to be a llama
    And always wear pajamas!

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  52. Very fun, Holly! And I have a friend who had a llama to protect his sheep, so they do often live in the barn yard :)

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  53. Thank you! Mom and baby just fine.

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  54. I recently read the VERY enjoyable interview with Lori Degman on Laura Sassi's site, so was familiar with this adorable book, and happy to see its cover ablaze here! And in the effort to qualify for the possibility of owning this WONderful book, you pick the irresistible challenge of thinking of ourselves as animals :) Thing is, as with most things, I can't narrow it down to just one.

    I am a hybrid: a "duckpighorse."


    DUCK: well, I’ve kinda got that waddling thing goin’ on : /

    PIG: OK, I wouldn’t mind lazing around in a cool mud puddle for hours on end,
    but that’s not it, and though I’ve never been called a ham (to my face, that is), I can’t deny the similarity in the derriere area. Well---minus the curly tail : /


    HORSE: though it’s always been a favorite animal, I haven’t been graceful or run like the wind since I was 12, nor do I have a glorious mane, BUT--- I am, without question, a “work” horse which, if I want to be specific, more of a “mule”! "Why?" you ponder? Because it seems like I’m always bustin’ my *** ;)

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  55. My editor thought of the "Oops" - I think it's great too!

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  56. You and me both, Wendy! I've got to get the canoe out in the basement again :)

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  57. Thanks for the praise, Joanna - love your rhyme!

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  58. Degman Collection - from your lips to editors' ears!!

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  59. I didn't know ducks are opinionated - interesting!

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  60. Great triple rhyme!!!

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  61. Congrats, Aunt Kathy!! If you don't win, send me his name and address and I'll send him a book :-)

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  62. That puts me in good company!!

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  63. A little goat gets my vote :-)

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  64. Maybe I should bring you a copy :-) Love Hulla-mew-baloo! I agree about Susanna doing stand up - I'd go see her.

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  65. Wendi, the video is of my editor reading it for a bedtime series they're doing for children's hospitals. I love your crow!

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  66. I love farm books too (and not just mine)! Great crow!

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  67. It was so sweet of you to come to my launch!! I had to look it up for the book - they bleat :-)

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  68. I'm ashamed to say I've only done one PPBF :-( I'll have to remedy that!

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  69. Do penguins really "grock"? Cool choice (get the pun?)!

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  70. lol...it'd be even MORE amusing if it weren't all TRUE!!! :D

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  71. Such a cute, musical crow!!

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  72. I agree, there's something not kid-lit about it :-)

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  73. You've managed to make me feel cozy on this cold SNOWY day!!

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  74. Yea, add me to the pig-out list!

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  75. Susanna, I used to pig out too much on chocolate so I quit eating it! I haven't had any since 2001!

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  76. Is that for low flying birds?

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  77. I love wearing my pajamas - especially on cold days like today!

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  78. Donna, you're an overachiever!! I love your duckpighorse!

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  79. You should try rhyming - you may just love it! It snowed in Chicago today!!

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  80. I'm speechless. Seriously. I can't even respond! :)

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  81. This_Kid_Reviews_Books_ErikMay 16, 2014 at 5:38 PM

    AAARRRROOOOOOO!!!!

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  82. This_Kid_Reviews_Books_ErikMay 16, 2014 at 5:39 PM

    I am officially a hound dog type - we just adopted a basset hound named Clyde from a rescue. :) Your book looks awesome Ms. Degman! :)

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  83. Now that's what I call a fun romp in the hay! :D Congratulations to Lori on her book birth-day!!


    My brain is fried from doing biology lab today so I won't even attempt to make my own cocka-doodle-joke. But, I can tell you what animal I am: I'm the cat napping in the sun while the mice dance around me. Ooooh, napping....


    Happy Friday, Susanna, and thank you for the giveaway!

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  84. Naaaaah, Lori, just a creative "productive" with an overwhelming life! lol I think many can relate! :D

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  85. You are so kind! I am so happy for your successful book "birthday". I will let you know. This will be his first author signed book. Thank you so much!

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  86. Aw, thanks, Susanna. "Used to be though!"

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  87. Or for low-flying cows. :D

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  88. A nap in the sun sounds awfully nice about now, while torrential rain and high wind batter the house! I hope your biology lab didn't involve dissecting any cute farm animals! Happy Friday to you, too, Teresa, and have a lovely weekend, you agented writer you :)

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  89. You're doing very well! Keep up the good work :)

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  90. Hope I'm not too late for the party. Congratulations Lori and Deborah! The book is beyond adorable! Now, if I were to be a farm animal, I think I would be a field mouse who would try to a cock-a-doodle squeak to start off the week. :)

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  91. No, of course you are not too late, Robin! I love your mouse :)

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  92. I love this book! I already own a copy, but if I win I will donate a copy to the library because the more people who read this fun romp, the better!


    I'd be a goat so I could gnaw
    on scraps, on oats, on bites of straw.


    And as far as a crowing line, I can't come up with anything that has that special Lori magic.
    My cock-a-doodle-words are for the birds.

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  93. Very funny, Penny! And I'm sorry you won't get to donate - the drawing took place before your commented - but I heartily agree it's a wonderful book!

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