Click, Clack, Moo I Love You!

Farmer Brown's Barnyard Tales

by Doreen Cronin, Betsy Lewin (Illustrator)

It’s Valentine’s Day and on the farm - that means a Valentine’s party! Little Duck is wildly excited. She hangs balloons, streamers, sparkling lights, and hearts everywhere, and hand-makes a valentine for everyone. On top of a hill, a little fox hears the music from the party and follows Little Duck’s many decorations to the barn…but foxes are not at all welcome on farms. The chickens stop dancing. The sheep stop dancing. The pigs stop dancing. The mice hustle off to hide. Will Little Fox ruin the dance? Or, perhaps, she’s just what the party needs!

Genres: Picture Books, Holiday, Childrens, Animals, Storytime, Fiction, Juvenile

32 pages, Hardcover

First published December 5, 2017

About the author

Doreen Cronin (born 1966) is an American writer of children's books, including Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type, a very well-received picture book illustrated by Betsy Lewin.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little Duck, who played a starring role in author Doreen Cronin and illustrator Betsy Lewin's Click, Clack, Surprise! returns in this twelfth full-sized picture-book about the adventures of the animals in Farmer Brown's barnyard. With a big Valentine's Day party planned, Farmer Brown makes the farm ready, while Little Duck decorates and makes Valentines for all the attendees. When a little fox cub unexpectedly shows up, will it be the end of the party, or will Little Duck once again know what to do...?

Like its predecessors, Click, Clack, Moo I Love You pairs an engaging, humorous barnyard tale with appealing artwork done in watercolor. Unlike its predecessors, it also features glitter, quite a bit of it, which is sure to please some young children, although this particular reader wondered whether it was really necessary. Leaving that question aside, this was a heartwarming tale of making all welcome, even if they weren't quite who you had in mind, when planning a social gathering. As someone who loves foxes, I found the little yipping fox cub especially winsome here. Recommended to those who have read and enjoyed other books in this series, as well as to those searching for sweet Valentine's Day fare for the younger picture-book set.

[Kaethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

They can't all be about the power of collective bargaining and the importance of treating employees like meaningful contributor and the need to be more humane to the animals we own. Some books have to be about issues of prejudice and diversity and inclusion. But I prefer the socialist utopia that is Click Clack Moo.

Library copy

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cronin and Lewin have created another cute book revolving around the animals on Farmer Brown's farm. In this one, Little Duck spends a great deal of time and energy decorating the farm for the upcoming Valentine's Day dance. She also makes a valentine for everyone. That night after the work is done and the cows have gone to their shindig, the party commences with food, dancing, and valentine's for everyone. But the animals stick mostly to their own kind until a fox shows up and scares everyone except for Little Duck. It turns out Little Duck still has one valentine left and she's willing to share it with Fox. Not only is this a sweet story about reaching out to those who are different, it's full of glitter which is bound to thrill young listeners (especially if they get to touch it).

[Relyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book while I was sitting in the principal's office. Seriously. Of course. I wasn't a kid in trouble. I was waiting on a meeting. This book was a pure delight. I have already ordered it for my library.

[Anya · Rating 5 out of 5]

shout out to doreen, betsy, jordan, and the entire click clack moo enterprise for my 15th book this year. I found the main character (little duck) to be deeply, personally relatable, as I am also a gal who loves her crafts (though I am still rebelling against the idea of being a bird motif girl). farmer brown was more likeable in this one, far more committed to the people and the cause

[Kate Buechler]

Glitteriffic

[Mathew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Everyone is invited to Little Duck's valentine's party and she works hard to prepare the barn for her guests. The chickens bring a casserole along, the pigs some chips and salsa whilst the sheep...well, they just help themselves to what's there. But when Little Fox wants to come in...

Whilst I may have enjoyed the concept of cows wearing tiaras, the trails of glitter dulled the sweet little message here about acceptance. On saying that, I can't help thinking that inviting a fox into a barn full of its potential prey is a decidedly odd message to share. Dip and casserole aside, he really is going to eat them all...

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a bit heavy-handed in its "can't we all just get along" message, and it features one of my pet peeves: predator (fox) and prey (duck) making friends. My kids enjoyed it because of their love for the rest of the series, but it's not nearly as good as the one that started it all, Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type.

[AMY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun story on the farm during Valentine’s Day. The animals are busy getting ready for the big dance. This book is pretty and has sparkly parts kids will like. I like how the theme of inclusion was worked in nicely. Highly recommended for Grades K-2.

[Asha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story. A little to advanced for my preschoolers but they were very entertained by the animal noises needed to complete the story.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love ❤️ how it's all inclusive

[debbicat *made of stardust* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glitter ✨ everywhere!!! So stinkin cute and my kinda book. Party 🎉 time! A 💃 dance. Divine Bovine Ball. Formal attire required. Little fox 🦊 cried Yip Yip Yip! 🤩 So much fun!

[Summer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute Valentine's Day book on the farm! The ending was funny, but it went over the boys' head. ;)

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a little hard work and a lot of heart, Little Duck makes a party to remember, but also teaches the value of acceptance. Darling and sweet, Click, Clack, Moo I Love You explores the joy of hard work, friendship, and sharing. Adorable illustrations will cause giggles abound, as young readers will see the cows dressed in ball attire, and the mice doing the hustle. With all the charm of the, Click Clack Moo books and a healthy dose of glitter added right in; readers will instantly fall in love, making this a perfect Valentine’s treat.

you can find more of my reviews and giveaways in my syndicated newspaper column: For the Love of Books-Dixon's Independent Voice, as well on my Instagram: amy_fortheloveofbooks.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bump it up a star because of GLITTER and cuteness.
Bump it down a star because of confusion and mixed message. Little Duck does Valentines for everyone...except for Farmer Brown? Farmer Brown does all this work and doesn't notice Little Duck going Valentines crazy?
Love that everyone finally is dancing all together...except c'mon, predator and prey. Hmmm. Guess I need to let literalness go here.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

You are going to have to get your own copy of the latest Click, Clack, Moo to see the sparkle on every page. It's a glittery story of animals-on-the-farm and their huge barnyard dance for Valentine's Day. Even an unexpected guest ("Yip yip yip") won't tarnish this shiny event. Another wonderful Click, Clack, Moo story.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glitter and barn yard celebration abound in this lovely Valentine's story, which shows that love and friendship stretch beyond even carefully built and mended boundaries.

Valentine's Day is a special day at the farm, but no one is as excited as Little Duck. Streamers and balloons dangle from every barnyard corner for the big celebration, and all farm animals are more than happy to join in the fun. Just as everyone is dancing away, an unexpected guest arrives and not necessarily the most desired one.

Starting with a good 'ole barnyard feel of fence fixing and hay, this book quickly turns to giggles and smiles thanks to one cute Little Duck and her extreme Valentine's Day excitement. The joy gleams from the pages—and not only because of the delightful oodles of glitter sweeping across every illustration. Little Duck's excitement is contagious. The mix of barnyard animals and their fun rounds off the festivities before the wonderful message sets in, and what a timely message it is. In a way that raises a little tension and holds a spark of fun, the book takes on the question of diversity and reminds not to judge people by their appearance.

The illustrations are adorable, and the ample splashes of glitter make every page a treat. It's colorful and detailed enough to make young listeners want to gaze at the pictures even on their own. The text flows nicely, fits well to ages four and up, and delivers the tale with finesse. But it's definitely the illustrations which make this book shine. Literally.

It's a cute book, especially for farm animal friends, and a nice read for the approaching holiday or even long after that.

I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed it so much (as did my kids) that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.

[Taylor Heersink · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is just about Valentine’s day, and everyone on the farm is getting so excited, especially duck! Duck is decorating the farm and the barn getting ready for the Valentine’s day dance. Duck invites everyone on the farm and can’t wait to see everyone all dressed up. In some of the illustrations, you can see a fox in the background, looking interested in all the decorations, but as you know foxes are not usually invited to come onto the farm. When it is finally the night of the dance, all the animals are having a ball and are so happy to be there, but when the fox comes to join, the music stops, and no one is sure what to do. Duck offers her an initiation the night continues, and everyone has fun! I think you can read this book to your classroom during the valentine day season as a way to show the importance of making everyone in your class a valentine, and how much everyone will appreciate getting a card! The colors in this are very fitting for the theme, and the characters are all farm animals, which are drawn in a way that makes them look very cute! Any young student will love to listen and see this story unfold.

[Kathryn (Dragon Bite Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review first published on my blog, Nine Pages .

This is a Valentine’s book from the Click, Clack, Moo series. Farmer Brown shows his love in his care of the animals and the farm. Little Duck decorates for the Valentine’s Day party and makes Valentines for everyone. The chickens and the pigs bring potluck dishes, but the sheep bring nothing. A fox hears their party and invites herself. The farm animals are terrified. All except Little Duck. Little Duck hands the fox her last Valentine, the fox hands her one back, and they dance together “yip, quack, yip, quack, yip, quack, quack!” Their dance inspires the other farm animals to interspecies dance as well. This is a great Valentine’s story with a message that isn’t all hearts and roses and candies. It’s about finding friendship and fun among those who look different from oneself, about being welcoming to others, even when you don’t know them. Yipping like a fox is a lot of fun aloud too.

[Dorine White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Duck celebrates Valentine's Day in this Farmer Brown tale. And people, there is GLITTER! So, Farmer Brown makes sure all his animals are safe before turning in. Meanwhile, Little Duck is decorating like mad! She has invited all the barnyard animals to celebrate with a dance, though the cows are off having their own good time. She holds a potluck, and as animals arrive at the barn, they exchange Valentine cards. (Though I noticed the mice didn't get one) As the party is in full swing, a surprise guess comes by, a fox in the hen house! Yikes! But Little Duck has things all under control with a Valentine for their new friend. The illustrations are a wonder and really shows off the personalities of the different animals. I love that the mice dance a hustle. Little Duck is all showy in her DJ attire. It is a lot of fun and kids will love to turn the pages and feel the textures. 5 stars!

[Ella Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: The little duck is so excited for Valentine's Day and decorates every bit of the farm. He makes valentines for every animal to receive at the party he's throwing. The party starts, and every kind of animal was dancing with their type of animal until the fox showed up. The duck and fox dance together, and everyone has fun.
Response: This book encourages you to get out of your comfort zone. This book strikes a chord with all ages but especially with young students. This book is a great way to encourage being friends with the kid that maybe no one sits with at lunch.
How to use it: This book is holiday-themed and sends a positive message. This book could be used to introduce the idea of receiving valentines on Valentine's Day. It could also be used on the day that the classroom gets decorated.

[Mallie Williams]

-This book is all about a barn full of animals ready for their Valentine's Day Party. Little Duck works the hardest to get everything done for it and then every animal starts to show up. They all bring things in exchange for the an invitation. Everyone is dancing the night away and then the fox shows up and when everyone else stops and is scared. Little Duck hands his last invitation to him and is happy the fox is there. They all intermingle and are dancing the night away!
-I really liked this book and it was so good and so sweet.
- I would read this to my class around their Valentine's Day party probably just for fun!

[Mrs. Mounce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This just arrived and it is adorable!! Another win from the Click, Clack, Moo series!! ❤️
Little Duck is so excited for Valentine’s Day! She makes cards for everyone, and also decorates the farm with streamers, lights, balloons, hearts, the works!
The animals are so ready to celebrate and dance but when an unexpected guest shows up, will they still be in the party mood or will Little Duck’s Valentine party be ruined?
A great story of friendship, coming together, and that things, people, or animals aren’t always what they seem. ❤️

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay. Nothing beats the original "Click, Clack Moo" in my opinion (with the exception of "Dooby Dooby Moo"....a book I will have to review at another time) And this rendition of "Click, Clack, Moo" follows similar patterns to the authors. It is not that original; hence why I only did three stars.

That being said, it is a good standby as a read-aloud or in a storytime. Depending on the age of the children involved, I do different things. Sometimes, I have the kids make animal noises. Sometimes, I put on different voices. It just all depends.

It is a sweet book of friendship.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to receive a signed copy of this book from the author. All of our favorite barnyard characters from the Click, Clack, Moo series are getting together for a Valentines party. Little Duck has been working very hard decorating and making Valentines. Once the party starts, they all have a terrific time until an uninvited guest shows up. Young readers will enjoy finding out how Little Duck handles this awkward situation.

[Roben · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sparkly, fun tale about a joyful Valentine's Day celebration on the farm orchestrated by Little Duck. Everyone is there - except the cows who have been invited to a Divine Bovine Ball. Dancing and eating abound until an unexpected guest makes an appearance. Will the party be ruined? Or will the animals make a new friend?
I thought this was super cute and adorable but then I love all of the Click, Clack, Moo stories. I also loved the glitter!

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
Little Duck is excited to celebrate Valentine's day so she works hard to decorate the barn and make valentines for everyone. There's food, music, and dancing but everything stops when an uninvited guest arrives. What does Little Duck do?

Highlights: GLITTER!

Lowlights: Farmer Brown puts up a fence to keep the chickens safe from foxes but then a fox shows up to the party. Conflicting message for young readers.

[Cindy Overcast · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Click, Clack, Moo: I LOVE YOU!” written by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Betsy Lewin (Copyright 2017, Atheneum Books for Young Readers) is a glittering fun read that will have you laughing out loud as Little Duck and the other animals on the farm welcome a surprise visitor to their Valentine’s Day dance. This review was originally published as part of my "Picture Book Favorites for Valentine's Day" blog post at www.cindyovercast.com.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story about the animals on farm getting ready for a Valentine's Day party. Little Duck is putting up the decorations and putting the party on. Then when the party comes, an unexpected guest arrives, one who makes the other animals feel nervous. I loved the copious glitter found on nearly every page of the book and the message of giving others a chance.

[Patrycja · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet book about animals and Valentine's Day is quite lovely. The illustrations are cute and colorful. And there is so much glitter and sparkle in the book.

This is a story about animals getting ready fir Valentine's Day and celebrating the Day.
But during the fun there is uninvited guest.
Will this spoil the celebration or make it even better?