Yes You Can, Cow!
What’s inside...
This book tells a heartwarming story about a cow who, encouraged by her barnyard friends, overcomes her fears and self-doubt. Based on the nursery rhyme 'Hey Diddle Diddle', Cow worries she might fail during the big performance and is too scared to jump. As the audience waits and the curtain is about to rise, Cow must find the courage to believe in herself and become the star of the show.
Age
0-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Cow
Discussion points
How do you think Cow felt when she tried something new? Have you ever felt the same way?
What does the story teach us about helping and supporting our friends?
Why is it important to keep trying even when something seems difficult?
What would you do if you were in Cow’s situation?
How do you think the story would change if Cow decided to give up?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing, relate personal experiences of overcoming challenges to help your child connect with Cow’s journey.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, validating their emotions and perspectives.
Focus on the values of perseverance and teamwork highlighted in the book, linking them to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Pose hypothetical scenarios to your child based on the story’s context to encourage creative thinking and problem-solving.
End your discussion by asking your child to think of a time when they can encourage someone else, just like the characters in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist, a determined cow, faces several challenges but continues to try until she succeeds, illustrating the value of persistence.
Real-World Application: Children learn to keep trying in their daily tasks, whether it's learning a new skill or solving a personal challenge, emphasizing that success often comes after persistent effort.
Example Lesson: Self-belief
Explanation: The cow believes in her ability to jump over the moon, despite doubts from others, showcasing the importance of self-confidence.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to believe in themselves and their capabilities, whether it’s during school presentations, sports, or any new endeavor they are hesitant about.
Example Lesson: Supporting Others
Explanation: Other farm animals encourage and support the cow, highlighting how encouragement can positively impact others.
Real-World Application: Children can see the importance of supporting their friends and family, learning to be there for others during challenging times and celebrating their achievements.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Failure
Explanation: The cow doesn't succeed at first but learns from each attempt, teaching that failure is a part of learning and not a definitive end.
Real-World Application: Teaching children to view setbacks as learning opportunities rather than obstacles can help them navigate academic challenges and social interactions more effectively.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Throughout her journey, the cow employs different strategies to achieve her goal, illustrating problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively and critically to solve problems, whether it’s figuring out a difficult math problem or resolving a dispute with a peer.