Marjorie is down in the dumps because she’s not talented like the other cows—she can’t do handstands or ride a bicycle. So the chickens confabulate to hatch a plan to help. “I’VE LAID AN EGG!” shrieks Marjorie upon discovering the black-spotted egg that the chickens slipped into her pen. Soon the barnyard’s abuzz with talk of Marjorie’s talent. The other cows aren’t happy with being shown up, and are suspicious of the egg’s origins. Just when this outrageous tale couldn’t get wilder, the egg hatches, and without further ado the baby chick announces “MOOOOOOOO!” to its bovine mother. Andy Cutbill’s tale is an unbelievable but hilarious read-aloud, illustrated with Russell Ayto’s equally mirthful cartoonish images and collage on brightly colored panels. Highly Commended, 2009 Charlotte Zolotow Award (Ages 4–9)

The chickens hatch a plan to make Marjorie, a cow who’s depressed be cause she’s so ordinary, feel special. They paint black spots on an egg and put it under her. Marjorie awakes and discovers she’s laid an egg! As Marjorie’s fame grows, the other cows are jealous. They suspect the crafty chickens’ involvement and demand that Marjorie prove the egg is hers—and she does. When the egg cracks open, out hops a chick that looks up at Marjorie and loudly Moooooooos! The cartoonlike illustrations, done in collage, pen and ink, and watercolors, steal the show in this story of wacky barnyard fun . ca

Originally published by HarperCollins Great Britain, in 2006.