THE TINY, TINY BOY AND THE BIG, BIG COW

Adapted from a story by Joseph Jacobs, a cumulative Scottish tale in which a ridiculous scenario's humor is magnified by the doubling of adjectives. Like the pig that won't get over the stile, this cow won't stand still to be milked; and while the boy, prompted by his mother, adds threats and inducements (a stick, a golden gown), the cow's list of stubborn qualities also grows: she ``kicked up her hard, hard heels, swished her long, long tail, tossed her empty, empty head, and would not stand still.'' The end is a surprise: Ma finally suggests outwitting the cow with her own contrariness, and sure enough, told not to stand still, the cow does. Priceman captures the exasperating bovine and her persistent caretaker in relaxed watercolors that add to the comedy, especially in the many tasks busy Ma undertakes while her son doesn't do the milking. Fun. (Folklore/Picture book. 3-8)