Market Day

by Carol Foskett Cordsen

Classic Americana from the award-winning author and illustrator of The Milkman. Farm cow waking. Tardy MOO! Bensons rising. Much to do . . . Finally finished. Loud ?Hurray!? Bensons set for Market Day. When the Benson family oversleeps, there's so much to do to get ready for market, from picking shiny red apples to packing up the truck. But in their hurry, do they remember to feed the cow? Or close the farm gate? One hungry, lovable cow is about to...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0525478833
• ISBN13: 9780525478836
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: Dutton Children's Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.7" x 10.9"
• Age Range: 3 to 6 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 1

Customer Reviews

This humorous tale of the mischievous cow that went to the market is sure to please! MOO!

The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, but no one was up in the Benson household. The cow was fast asleep on her bedding while the chicken was still huddled over her nest. The barn cats looked out onto the house and the apple orchard as the sun rose higher in the sky. All of a sudden the farm began to come to life. "Farm cow waking. Tardy. MOO!" The four Bensons were rushing out the door. They were heading to the shed to drag out a ladder and some apple boxes. They rushed by the barn, but didn't have time to feed the cow because those apples needed to be picked for the market! The cats watched over the whole process from their perch in an apple box. The boy steadied the ladder while the father picked and handed down the apples. The little girl packed the boxes while her mother put them in the back of the truck. They sped out past the gate and onto the road to get to the market on time. Looks like the Bensons forgot a couple of things. The family was lucky because they found one spot left at the end of a row. The father whistled a tune and handed down the boxes of apples from the truck. Everyone was setting up shop and the market was coming alive. "Busy Bensons. Apples out. Not aware of stares and shouts. Not aware of market trouble coming closer, on the double." Oh, oh . . . watch out because things are starting to fly! This charming book will bring back many memories for people. The gorgeous art work is charming and has a very old fashioned, nostalgic look to it. Needless to say, the artwork and this story in rhyme mesh perfectly. This was a funny story with a little dash of Keystone Cops action added to the mix to guarantee a few laughs. This would be a perfect story for story or circle time. Are there any mischievous cows in your neck of the woods?

Rutgers University Project on Economics and Children

The Benson family has overslept and forgotten to feed the cow in their haste to pick apples and pack the truck for Market Day. Other vendors at the farmers market have a variety of fresh produce and delicious baked goods for sale. Unfortunately, these fully-stocked tables and stalls are but an obstacle to knock over for a hungry cow in search of breakfast. The text's short rhyming phrases and the illustrations' unique classic style make Market Day an original and lively book for teaching children about markets and natural resources. It can also help to stimulate children's interest in visiting a farmers market at a time when these types of markets have become a more integral part of urban life and suburban communities across the country.