In the Cow's Backyard

Author: Alma Flor Ada
Publication Date: 1996
Type of Book: Author Study Picture Book

This story is about an ant enjoying a beautiful day outside, while lounging in a shaded hammock in the comfort of his friends backyard. One by one different animals come along and the ant invites them to join. When the hammock is so full that no one else could possibly fit their friend the elephant comes along. The ant still tells the elephant to join them because there is always room for one more. Even though the elephant couldn't fit on the hammock the elephant carried the hammock on her back with all of the animal friends on it.

I enjoyed reading this story. It was really cute and it was only after reading the authors note in the beginning of the story did the plot line make even more sense. At first I thought it was just a simple story about animals all hanging outside together. When I read the note from the author I realized that this story was based off of her own experience growing up. She spent Thanksgiving each year with her family and extra guests would always show up throughout the night. Her mother took them in with open arms always saying, "There was always room for one more." It was unique to see how Alma Flor took her childhood experience and weaved it into this book. I personally loved the message presented in this simple yet meaningful story.

I would recommend this story for younger students. The writing is very simple so they could read it on their own, in groups or listen to it as a read aloud. The message presented in the story is very important and one that students should be exposed to. Since the characters are animals they're very appealing to young children. It also a great story to use as a review of different animals and the sounds that they make.

Image References:
http://almaflorada.com/in-the-cow’s-backyard/