In rhythmic, meandering verses, Buttercup the cow praises what she loves about her life on the farm ("I love my tongue"; "I love the night"). Her day is uneventful, the story's tone is peaceful and contented. Pleasant illustrations depict this bovine's environment and activities. It may be too quiet for some; nature-loving readers will be the book's most appreciative audience. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.

Gr 1-4-Beginning with the rising sun and ending as she falls asleep at night, a Holstein waxes poetic about all the things she enjoys about her life. The verse on each spread begins with the words, "I love..." and then continues to describe the simple pleasures of agrarian life. Buttercup clearly is a dreamy cow and she loves all manner of things, from the grass at her feet to her own tongue to her quiet barn at the end of a lovely day. Readers learn that Buttercup also loves making (cow)pies, constantly chewing her cud, and even the skunk who nuzzles against her legs. The iambic rhythm makes the selections easy to read and recite aloud, and the poems would be wonderful additions to storytimes about cows, farms, or even during Valentine's Day programs. The cheery illustrations subtly reflect the changing light throughout Buttercup's day. The opening pages are awash with warm tones of blue and green and the colors slowly change toward the end to reflect sunset and, finally, night. Buttercup provides the answers to life's eternal questions-she loves the simple things and shares this joy with readers.-Shawn Brommer, South Central Library System, Madison, WI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.