Does a Sea Cow Say Moo?

by Terry Webb Harshman, George McClements (Illustrator)

The curiosities of the sea come to life in this playful romp at the beach. Flash is a visitor to our world who is learning about the creatures of the ocean, but he has some big questions. Can you wish on a starfish? And saddle a sea horse? Flash€™s computer shows him pictures to explain the possibilities, but something about them is a bit fishy. So his new friend Jack offers to help, and happily paints a clear picture of each confusing creature for Flash in his trusty notebook. Funny rhymes and even sillier illustrations make this a perfect read for families all year long!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Ruth Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clever rhyming book with collage and painted illustrations that all kids will find funny and appealing. Flash, an alien from outer space, gets help from Jack, as he finds answers to his questions about the sea. It is a fun lesson in the multiple meanings of words and also a mini science lesson about ocean life. On the last page, kids will like learning more silly sea facts. Whimsical, loaded with word play, and sure to produce laughter!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Used for Tons of Fun: Heat Wave! program in May 2010.

The text is only ok (forced rhyme and rhythm) but the kids found it silly and goofy enough that it worked anyway. Mixed media illustrations by George McClements help clarify the different possible meanings of the same word. The whole thing sneaks in some light educational material about underwater animals and a page of Silly Sea Facts is included at the back.

[Sierra Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about Flash, an alien, who lands on a beach and is curious about sea creatures who share names with land creatures. Jack, the boy he meets, answers his questions, and corrects his mistaken assumptions. They talk about many different sea creatures, and you learn little pieces of information about them as you read along.

I liked the book, because of the fun way I got to learn about the sea creatures, and the silly illustrations in the book. The book had very colorful illustrations, and some humor to it.

As a clinician, I can utilize the rhyming in the book, and sequence the order of the animals that were presented.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rhyming book with plenty of facts about sea animals sprinkled in. My son and I found it silly and charming.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a funny story about an alien who gets confused by the names we have given to various sea creatures. The names are explained and some scientific tidbits are thrown in for good measure. Some of the rhymes are a bit awkward, but overall, it's an entertaining story and educational, too. We enjoyed reading this story together.

[Ina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack takes a newly arrived alien on a tour of life under the sea and explains to him that words and phrases mean different things above and below the sea. Bright colorful illustrations help Jack explain such things as school, cows and sea cows, and the differences between sea stars and stars in the sky. Great storytime read!

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

An alien visits Earth to find out the difference between cows on land and sea cows, stars and starfish etc. A young boy clears things up for his new alien friend. This could be read to early elementary students.

[Sabrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

An alien lands on the beach while a little boy is playing and asks him to describe ocean life. The boy has to explain the words he is using as the alien takes everything he days literally. It is a good way to get kids interested in ocean life.

[Shallowreader VaVeros · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book looks at differences in the definitions of common words used for land & sea eg clown, bed etc using rhythms & rhymes. Quite lovely yet with an educational slant. Recommended for infants schools in particular.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun rhyming book with interesting facts about sea animals. Great reading to grandson Jack, since the boy in the story is named Jack too. Jack answers an alien's questions and clears up confusion about animals such as sea cows, sea horses, etc.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would go over better at a coastal library. Our community is near the Great Lakes and many of the creatures are foreign to young readers here-that's not to say they couldn't learn about them.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I've come to find out why some names in the sea are the same as on land ... Will you please help me?"

A boy named Jack sets an alien named Flash straight on a few of his sea-related misconceptions. Cute idea.

[Cws]

JEPIC-Har

[Tina B · Rating 3 out of 5]

"names that are different in sea and on land, sea animals described, informational, aliens"

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book teaching kids dual meanings of words in a fun way, such as school vs. school of fish; cow vs sea cow, etc.

[Library Quine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rhyming text about things in the sea with names that are also on land. Nice ocean vocabulary.

[Shauntae Middleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book it answered some legitimate questions that I've never thought about.

[Lindsay Sorensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot about different sea animals.

[C.C. · Rating 2 out of 5]

It compares things that share the same name but one is underwater and the other on land.