About the Holiday

Have things gotten a little too serious? Do you just feel like letting go and being silly? Then today’s the day to do it! Established in 1976 by Monica Moeller Dufour of Davidson, Michigan, encourages people to relax and let go of all the stresses.Having fun once in awhile can put you in a better frame of mind and give you new perspectives. So tell your best (or worst) jokes, watch a comedy, or read some funny books. Now that you have permission to goof off and a whole twenty-four hours to do it in, plan some wacky fun. There are no rules—so enjoy!

Thanks to Kirsti Call and HMH Books for Young Readers for sharing a digital copy of Cow Says Meow with me for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own. I’m thrilled to be partnering with HMH Books in a giveaway of the book. See details below.

Cow Says Meow

Written by Kirsti Call | Illustrated by Brandon James Scott

We all know what each animal sounds like, right? But what if the animals themselves forgot or got confused? Well, it might sound a lot like Kirsti Call’s giggle fest, Cow Says Meow. To start off the fun, a little boy peeks up from the bottom of the first page at a cow that already looks a little perplexed as the narrator announces, “Cow says…” Hey! I know this one! readers will think, but when they turn the page, the cow lets out a vigorous “MEOW.”

The boy has something to say about that—as well as a clever sense of humor. He tells the cow “What a copycat!” With this pun, a cat—looking as if someone has just stepped on its tail—pops up. What does this cat say? Well, here’s a hint: the boy thinks “the cat sounds hoarse!” By now kids will be laughing and begging to turn the page to hear what the horse has to say for itself.

Image copyright Brandon James Scott, 2021, text copyright Kirsti Call, 2021. Courtesy of HMH Books for Young Readers.

Each page introduces kids to another befuddled animal and a funny pun to go with their mixed-up language. At last the boy meets a pig who greets him with a friendly “HI!” But “pigs don’t say ‘hello’!” the boy marvels. And here’s a new kid to set the record straight. But what does she say? Let’s just say the boy thinks “this story was an udder disaster.” Maybe it’s time to start over… after all, the cow’s back asking, “Can I say MEOW again?”

The hilarity of Kirsti Call and Brandon James Scott’s book doesn’t begin and end with just the story. Round cutouts on the front and back covers allow kids to look at the world through the eyes of the cow and the cat and have fun saying whatever animal (or other) sounds they want.

Image copyright Brandon James Scott, 2021, text copyright Kirsti Call, 2021. Courtesy of HMH Books for Young Readers.

Kirsti Call’s funny, feel-good book is pure escapism into that kid realm of in-the-moment goofiness and laughter that’s so refreshing. Cow Says Meow offers multitudes of rereading opportunities as children will want to match their own mixed-up sounds to each animal and young wordsmiths may want to try out their brainpower by coming up with new puns and jokes.

Brandon James Scott’s big-eyed, bemused animals, shown in comical close-up portraits as they prepare to speak on one page and then full bodied on the next as they do, are the perfect foils for Call’s story. Their vibrant, textured images and slightly crossed eyes enhance both the mystery and the humor of this cleverly conceived book. All dialogue is delivered in speech bubbles, which will thrill new and emergent readers who want to join in. The cut-out eyes in the covers are genius, creating a whole package of storytelling and playtime in one.

If you’re looking for a book that will elicit laughs every time you share it, one that makes a terrific take along, and would be a much-loved gift, Cow Says Meow is it. The book is a must for goofy, just plain fun story times at home, in the classroom, and for public libraries.

Ages 4 – 7

HMH Books for Young Readers, 2021 | ISBN 978-0358423348

Discover more about Kirsti Call and her books on her website.

To learn more about Brandon James Scott, his books, and his art, visit his website.

Sing along with Kirsti Call and this Cow Says Meow song!

National Goof Off Day Activity

Silly Balloons

You can have lots of silly fun with balloons! Try some of these ideas—they’re sure to make you laugh!

Goofy Faces

Blow up a balloon and draw a funny face on it. Rub the balloon on your shirt or a blanket and stick it to the wall, your shirt, or even your mom or dad!

Crazy Hair

Rub a blown-up balloon on your shirt or a blanket (fleece works well) then hold it near your hair and watch it go a little crazy!

Bend Water

This bit of balloon magic will amaze you! Rub a blown-up balloon on a blanket (fleece works well). Turn on a faucet to a thin stream of water. Hold the balloon near the stream of water and watch it bend toward the balloon. 

Volleyballoon

This is a fun game for two or more people played like volleyball—but with balloons! All you need is a balloon and a line on the floor. Players form teams and bat the balloon back and forth over the line, keeping it in the air.as long as possible. A team wins a point when the opposing team can’t return the balloon.

You can find Cow Says Meow at these booksellers 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

Picture Book Review