THE THINKING COW

[li...@islandlili.com]

This book of very short modern day fables is meant to spark lively
conversations from kids age 13 to a 120. Each fable contains a
proverbial lesson. But what exactly is that lesson? And is there
necessarily one particular lesson to be gleaned? Discuss. Or write
down your answer on the blank sheet I provide after the story and lend
the book to a friend or family member and let them write what they
think. Maybe the book, marked up with several lessons, will someday
hold great interest for one’s children, grandchildren and great-
grandchildren. So many stories, and so many interpretations, because
we all see things in our own way. For instance, I read “Mr. Cow and
the Mayor” to five people. When they were asked to draw a moral from
the story, here is what each one came up with:

Ann: Never seek revenge because in the end you’ll get hurt.
Norma: It’s okay to think about revenge, but in the end it’s better to
forgive.
Karen: Maybe it’s not good to take a laxative before a trip into
town.
Luigi: You must think before you act.
Robin: Clean up after yourself.

Life is a series of lessons, and using the wisdom learned from them,
we evolve. Who we are today to a large degree is determined by the
lessons we have or haven’t learned. Lessons learned --or not-- helps
construct the compass that guides us in our daily lives. So perhaps
it is a good idea to look closely at the phenomena of lessons, and a
time honored way is through animal fables.



MR. COW AND THE MAYOR


One day, Mr. Cow brought his wife and ten of his children to the city
during a carnival. They made a mess on the beautiful road. It cost the
city hundreds of dollars in cleaning fees, so the mayor of Cowville
banned Mr. Cow and his family from the city.
“I can’t believe the mayor banned me from Cowville,” said Mr. Cow. “He
must have lost his mind. I am a good citizen. I pay my taxes just like
everyone else, and I am entitled to have fun with my kids anytime I
want to.”
“But, honey, we did make a mess,” said Mrs. Cow.
“That’s no excuse,” replied Mr. Cow. “I think he’s mad at me because I
didn’t vote for him.”
Mr. Cow then got very angry because he could never see carnivals or
his favorite soccer game again with his family in Cowville. So, he
went out for revenge. One day, he waited for the mayor to go on
vacation so he could really make a mess. Mr. Cow took a laxative and
walked into town. Mr. Cow was all happy, thinking that he was messing
up the beautiful road, when in fact he was messing up his own legs.



What lesson do you draw from the above? Let's disscuss it together.
Don't worry if the lesson you draw is different from that of others.
We all see things differently.

[Karen Wood]

This is a great book to spark discussion. It leads into people
sharing stories about their lives and the dilemmas they are having.

Karen

[li...@islandlili.com]

I like "The Thinking Cow." It's a fun book.

[Karen Wood]

I think the Thinking Cow would make a good coloring book for children.

[lili dauphin]

I agree but "The Thinking Cow" is special because everyone can enjoy
it whether they're Nine or One Hundred Twenty years old. It gives
families a chance to spend more time together.