I thought this book was such an adorable, heartwarming story about friendship and self confidence. Effie dreamed of becoming a state-fair cow. Petunia the pig helps her get dolled up for the state fair in hopes of her winning. When the time comes, Effie realized that being herself was all she needed to win. This story encourages you to be yourself, which is so important to begin teaching to children at a young age. As an adult now, I often have to remind myself of this in certain situations. This is a wonderful story of truly being happy in your own skin. ( )

Summary: Effie the cow dreams of winning a blue ribbon at the state fair, while her best friend Petunia advises her to give up all that she truly enjoys in order to prepare for the big day.
Critique of Genre: Fiction-because cows don't talk in reality.
Age: Elementary
Media: Acrylic on paper ( )

Helakoski uses alliteration to entice the audience into this adorable story about the fair cow, Effie. Beyond alliteration, there are about 10 level 2 words that will lend themselves in the expansion of the learners' vocabulary. This book is about a 1st or 2nd grade level. It uses fitting language to point the pictures of the animal's conversations and actions. I highly recommend this book for students to work on vocabulary expansion during a unit on animals.

The level 2 words are as follows:
gussied
bodacious
billowing
pasture
hooves
escorted
delicious
cringed
bloat

The pictures in this book are also quite lovely and worth mentioning. In addition, there are also use of idioms. ( )

SUMMARY:
Effie is a cow who dreams of winning of a blue ribbon. However, her best piggy friend reminds her to truly enjoy the little things at the state fair.
PERSONAL REACTION:
This little story truly touched my heart. I thought the friendship between the two animals was a great example to all children. I also loved that it reminds children to appreciate the little things.
EXTENSION IDEAS:
This could support a lesson on being a good friend. Again, it shows children to look at the big picture and reminds us to help others see the little things too.