The Cow on the Roof

Source: Maddern, Eric. The Cow on the Roof. London: Frances Lincoln, 2006.

Summary: Shon, tired of coming home every night to find his wife "fresh as a buttercup" while he is exhausted from his day in the field, suggests switching chores for a day. However, he discovers just how hard his wife's work is after ruining the butter, the ale, and the porridge and winding up stuck in the chimney.

Cultural origins: European. This version of the story is set in Wales, as evidenced by the names Shon and Sian (pronounced "Shorn" and "Sharn").

Audience: Kindergarten-2nd grade. This age group would take well to the animals' antics in distracting the man from his various tasks, as well as the repeated phrases throughout the story.

Adaptation notes: In my own telling of the story, I might change the character's names to make a larger distinction between the two for an oral telling. I would be sure to emphasize the repeated phrases - "turning and churning" and "gone is gone" - in order to encourage audience participation. I would also add arm motions for the butter churning and other tasks.