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Start your free trialBlink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Where's My Cow? by Terry Pratchett is a delightful children's book about a father and son's bedtime routine. It features fun animal sounds and a heartwarming story that emphasizes the importance of family.
In Where's My Cow? by Terry Pratchett, we are introduced to Commander Sam Vimes, a no-nonsense, practical police officer in the fantastical city of Ankh-Morpork. Vimes is a man of routines, and one of his most cherished rituals is reading a children's book, Where's My Cow?, to his young son, Young Sam, every night.
The book is a simple tale about a farmer searching for his cow, and it is filled with animal sounds that Vimes makes sure to read aloud to Young Sam. However, Vimes is a man of action, and he can't help but question the practicality of the book. He wonders why a city boy like Young Sam should be learning about cows and sheep when the only time he'll see them is on a dinner plate.
So, Vimes decides to make some changes to the story. He starts by replacing the farm animals with urban ones, such as rats and pigeons. He also modifies the storyline to reflect the reality of their city, changing the setting from a peaceful countryside to the dangerous streets of Ankh-Morpork. As a result, Where's My Cow? transforms into a tale of a city dweller searching for his missing pet rat.
Throughout the book, we see Vimes's deep love for his son and his desire to prepare him for the harsh realities of life. Vimes believes that Young Sam should be aware of the world he lives in, and that includes its dangers. He wants his son to be street-smart and cautious, just like his father.
However, as Vimes reads his modified version of Where's My Cow? to Young Sam, he starts noticing something odd. Every time he reaches a certain part of the story, Young Sam becomes visibly distressed. Vimes, being a detective at heart, senses that there's more to the story than meets the eye. He begins to investigate, using his skills as a police officer to unravel the mystery.
Vimes's investigation leads him to a shocking revelation. He discovers that the distressing part of the story coincides with the time a notorious criminal, Carcer Dun, broke into their home and threatened Young Sam. The trauma of that event caused Young Sam to associate the modified story with his terrifying experience. Vimes realizes his mistake in trying to make the story more realistic and vows to restore the original version of Where's My Cow?.
In the end, Vimes learns an important lesson about the power of stories. While it's essential to prepare Young Sam for the real world, it's equally crucial to provide him with a sense of safety and comfort. Vimes understands that Where's My Cow? isn't just a children's book; it's a way for him to bond with his son and create a secure environment for him.
With this realization, Vimes restores the original story, complete with its farm animals and their sounds. He reads it to Young Sam, who responds with joy and laughter. Vimes understands that, while the world outside might be harsh, he can still provide his son with moments of innocence and happiness.
In conclusion, Where's My Cow? is a heartwarming tale that explores the delicate balance between preparing children for the real world and allowing them to enjoy their innocence. It's a reminder that, while we can't shield our loved ones from life's difficulties, we can still offer them moments of joy and security through the power of storytelling and love.
Where's My Cow? is a delightful children's book written by Terry Pratchett. It tells the story of a young boy searching for his beloved toy cow, who seems to have mysteriously disappeared. Filled with humor, colorful illustrations, and a heartwarming message, this book is perfect for kids and adults alike.
Readers who enjoy humorous and satirical storytelling
Fans of Terry Pratchett's Discworld series
Parents looking for a fun and entertaining book to read to their children
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Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trialBlink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma