Do Not Feed the Cow Sprouts
illustrations by
What’s inside...
A whimsical tale about a young boy, Timmy, who must learn the consequences of feeding his pet cow, Betsy, the wrong type of food, and the adventures that ensue when he tries to reverse the chaos. In another story, Dan learns a hard lesson about the dangers of feeding a cow sprouts when his house fills with a foul smell, prompting him to find a way to escape the stench.
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think happens when you feed a cow sprouts?
Why do you think the cow reacted the way it did?
How would you solve the problem if you were in the story?
What did you learn about taking care of animals from this book?
Can you think of other foods that might not be good for certain animals?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize expressive reading to bring the characters to life, enhancing the child’s understanding and involvement.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child what they think will happen next, fostering predictive skills.
Discuss the motives behind the characters’ actions to help develop empathy and understanding in your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Healthy Eating
Explanation: Through the story, children learn about the consequences of feeding the cow unusual food like sprouts, which highlights the importance of appropriate diets.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by understanding the importance of eating foods that are healthy and suitable for them.
Example Lesson: Understanding Cause and Effect
Explanation: The narrative demonstrates how the cow's behavior changes after eating sprouts, teaching children about the cause and effect relationship.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to anticipate the consequences of their actions, helping them make better choices.
Example Lesson: Respecting Animal Needs
Explanation: The story emphasizes how different creatures have specific dietary needs, promoting respect and care for animals.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be considerate and informed about how to care for pets and animals in their environment.