MOO HOO

Cowabunga! A bull can’t control the waterworks.

Milton’s life is great. He loves the pasture where he lives, and he enjoys an endless supply of ice cream. But Milton cries nonstop, earning himself the nickname Moo Hoo. He cries when he’s sad and when he’s happy. He cries when he’s nervous, when he’s frustrated, and when his favorite music swells to emotional heights. Milton cries when he’s embarrassed, and then when that happens, he cries even more. Eventually, he decides to toughen up and become a bully. That doesn’t work: His new persona makes him sad, which causes more waterworks. His next strategy? Deplete his tears. He watches happy movies, listens to sad songs, and admires moving sights until all his tears are gone. Or are they? An encounter with a sympathetic, similarly overemotional sheep, nicknamed Waa Waa, turns Milton’s life around. They share sob stories, bawl together, and forge a bond. Milton realizes that all he needed was a pal who likes him for who he is. This thin, somewhat silly story is intended to reassure readers that it’s OK to be exactly who they are. It’s a touch idealistic, though many emotional youngsters will likely feel buoyed. The amusing, lively illustrations were created with pencil, crayon, acrylic, and digital coloring.

Kids may learn to laugh at themselves a little—and accept themselves, too.