School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 4-Just as Emmadine is bemoaning the lack of exciting tales to tell her grandcows, she hears that Admiral Richard E. Byrd is looking for a few good bovines for an expedition. Emmadine volunteers, and, along with 2 other cows, 153 dogs, and 56 explorers, heads for the South Pole in October 1933. After weeks of seasickness, she arrives at "the coldest place on earth," where her "teeth chattered like spoons." Wrapped in a scarf, her warmest socks, and a striped "uddermuff," she faces the cold and darkness, sees seals and penguins, teaches the other cows and the herdsman to dance, and stores away her fantastic experiences to share with her offspring when she returns home. The author takes a true event (Byrd really did take cows on one of his expeditions) and describes it from a unique point of view. Slavin's artwork, done in acrylics on gessoed paper, perfectly captures this delightful bovine, whose upbeat personality shines in the single- and double-page paintings. Emmadine is at her worst when seasick and at her most vivacious when she kicks up her heels with the herdsman. Older readers can use the Byrd tie-in as an excuse to laugh their way through this picture-book adventure, while younger children will appreciate the humor even if they know nothing about polar exploration.-Carolyn Janssen, Children's Learning Center of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
In 1933, Emmadine the cow volunteers for Admiral Byrd's expedition to the South Pole to have something to tell her grandcows. The ocean voyage, the ice, the long days that become long nights, and the native animals all amaze her. Clad in her woolen socks, scarf, and uddermuff, Emmadine returns home a hero. Detailed, textured illustrations add verve to this light fantasy. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
PreS-Gr. 2. Everybody wants to have at least one great adventure to trot out when company comes to call. Everybody--even cows. After Emmadine the cow decides that chasing crows from the barn and swatting horseflies isn't exciting enough to tell to her grandcows, she signs up to go to the South Pole with Admiral Richard E. Byrd. What happens then provides plenty of grist for generations to come. Spinelli' s humorous tale is a delightful and creative way to introduce a historic event to very young children. Kids are treated to an engaging introduction to a momentous expedition as they learn a bit about the geography and environment of the South Pole. The story will help children better appreciate historical books, and Slavin's fine illustrations will help. The art is both well executed and funny, whether picturing Emmadine contemplating the farmer and his kids in a richly detailed barn scene or decked out for winter in a striped uddermuff and hoof socks. --Terry Glover Copyright 2004 Booklist