The Cow the Laid an Egg, by Andy Cutbill

You can't help but love Russell Ayto's chickens in this story - stripy or spotty, they have a deadpan look that can't fail to make you smile. They're definitely up to something. In this story, written by Andy Cutbill, they are helping Marjorie, a rather insecure cow, regain her self-worth by secretly planting (after much chicken plotting) a cow-print egg beneath her - and there the farmyard and media hoopla begins. Marjorie feels unremarkable but is surrounded by clearly over-achieving cows (that ride bikes and do handstands), so in fact is just a normal cow. The chickens are pleased as Punch that they have managed to cheer Marjorie up and give her a sense of purpose, but with all the farmyard jealousy and the impending arrival of what can only be a chicken, you worry it might be short-lived. But the ending reaffirms the strong acceptance and bond of maternal love and the kids just love anticipating that great big moo! This is a really sweet, funny story. Perfect for bedtime.