Publisher: Orange Hat Publishing (April 4, 2025)
Language: English
Hardcover: 26 pages
ISBN-10: 1645385728
ISBN-13: 978-1645385721
Reading age: Baby - 9 years
Reviewed by: Michelle Caffrey
A charming and inventive twist on a classic nursery rhyme
K.M. Waldvogel delivers a charming and inventive twist on a classic nursery rhyme in And the Cow Jumped Over the Moon. What begins as a familiar line from “Hey Diddle, Diddle” quickly blossoms into a heartfelt and humorous tale about chasing big dreams, no matter how high they seem.
When Cow realizes she’s expected to actually jump over the moon, she’s filled with self-doubt. As her barnyard friends—each confident in their own quirky roles—cheer her on, Cow struggles to rise to the occasion. It’s a relatable journey filled with persistence, encouragement, and the magic of teamwork.
Waldvogel’s playful, lyrical prose makes for a fun read-aloud, while Jayden Ellsworth’s vibrant illustrations bring each animal’s personality to life with warmth and whimsy. Young readers will root for Cow with every page, and grown-ups will appreciate the story’s gentle message about believing in yourself and the power of friendship.
A joyful barnyard romp that reimagines a beloved rhyme, And the Cow Jumped Over the Moon is sure to leave readers grinning—and maybe even a little over the moon themselves.
— Michelle Caffrey, Author of the award-winning children’s picture book Jade—Lost in Yellowstone.
K.M. Waldvogel is a retired teacher who has several published children’s books including Three Little Ghosts and Whoo, Whoo, Who’s Out There? She is also the author of the middle-grade book, Spies, Soldiers, Couriers, and Saboteurs: Women of the Revolution which highlights little-known women who risked their lives to help the Americans defeat the British. Waldvogel is a member of SCBWI, WWA, and several writing groups in Wisconsin and Arizona. Learn more at www.kmwaldvogel.com.
