DO EMUS MOO?
About
Looking for a kids’ picture book that’s simultaneously clever, ridiculous, and just plain fun to read?
DO EMUS MOO? is a delightful animal/kids’ book that turns one classroom upside down, seasoning the telling with fantasy, humor, magic, and valuable life lessons. With playful rhymes and hilarious scenarios, this picture book for kids captures young imaginations while gently teaching responsibility, empathy, and friendship, as well as metaphysical problem-solving.
Perfect for parents, grandparents, teachers, and librarians, this funny, rhyming book for kids is more than just laughs; it’s a tool for encouraging wild imaginations, coupled with responsibility, creative thinking, and cooperation. The bilingual format also makes it a great choice for families or classrooms exploring Spanish and English kids’ books.
Whether you’re looking to add something refreshingly different to your collection of fantasy kids’ books or searching for a meaningful gift, this story stands out for its charming illustrations and heartwarming message.
It’s a read-aloud favorite that rolls off the tongue. Readers of all ages will return to this one again and again.
Enjoy sharing this adventure with the kids in your lives!
Praise for this book
4.0 out of 5 stars Zany story line and illustrations
Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2025
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
This is a rhyming tale about emus. It includes drawings of children's faces, portions of which have been whimsically transformed into those of animals. The humor is definitely of the offbeat variety. The book is filled with illustrations that consist, according to the author, of "composite photography, digital filters, and conventional graphics." It includes, among other things, portrayals of emus flying, a child riding an emu in a classroom, and a child floating in the sky holding onto a batch of balloons. Although I would say that this type of humor is probably best enjoyed by adults (and children may actually find one particular illustration a bit scary - the one is which a boy is shown with the jaw, snout, and eyes of a menacing wolf), there is no denying that the author has a fertile imagination and an eye for colorful, eye-catching graphics.
Byron Beltran
5.0 out of 5 stars Funny
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2025
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
Simply put, a very original, fun, humorous book that helps children learn values in a highly entertaining way. It encourages imagination through its rhymes and illustrations.
Silly, Sweet and Fun. April 16, 2026. Verified Purchase
I found this to be a cute and playful read that works well for young kids. The humor comes through in a light and simple way, and the animal theme (emus are birds with feathers and wings that don't fly) keeps the book interesting from page to page. It has a nice read aloud feel, which makes it easy to share at bedtime or in a classroom. I liked that it felt cheerful without trying too hard. It is the kind of book that invites smiles and makes little readers want to hear it again.
May 6, 2026. This was a cute book. Lots of rhymes that remind you of Dr Sues. The artwork was cute, I liked that it resembled some older artwork you might find in an art museum. I also liked that the entire story was in both English and Spanish. I even read it a second time with my son and he loved it.
May 6, 2026. This is a very lovely book. Silly nonsense story, but the pictures are pretty amazing. Really nice to look at, kids would really enjoy the fun story and wonderfully painted pictures.
May 6, 2026. Do Emus Moo? Is a unique kids book. It is written in both English and Spanish on each page making it easy to read either language and see the pictures. The story asks a classroom of children if they would like to have features from a series of different animals. The story gets wilder as it continues til the end when everyone is turned back into a child. The pictures have a style all their own. There is a mix of mediums used. It appears that the characters are pasted onto a watercolor or painted background. There is a lot to see in each picture. Overall this book is unique and quite quirky.
5 out of 5 stars. A simple, earnest question sets off clever rhyme and surreal imaginings!
Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2026
Verrry interesting book... readers will quickly be caught up when a schoolteacher leads his students (through quirky rhyme) to consider being emus... or other "critters." And "critters" there are - in all sorts of strange, offbeat iterations, often half human/half animal. These are not cutesy fun creatures for small children, but are more oddly detailed and surreal (and a bit scary at times) to engage and challenge older imaginations. The text is snappy and keeps those imaginations churning right along. 'About the author' information describes the book's artwork as a "magical realism fever' dream." This is a perfect description of this unique and delightful book.
5 out of 5 stars. Oddly Fascinating Bilingual Children's Book
Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2026
Format: Paperback
A wonderfully weird bilingual tale of creatures for children. This oddly whimsical stories of students transforming into animals, creating a zoo-like school has readers excited to turnthe page to see what animal will show up on the page next. The author uses a unique concept to create visually stimulating images, set to expand and child's imagination. If you're looking for a stimulating, well-written bilingual, oddly fantastic children's book, DO EMUS MOO? Is perfect for you!
5 out of 5 starsEmu fun
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2026
Format: Paperback
I read this book to my 6 year old granddaughter. She thought it was pretty funny. We enjoyed picking out the rhyming words. She enjoyed looking at the illustrations and made up her own version of the book while I made dinner.
5 out of 5 stars. Imaginative!
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2026
Format: Paperback
Do Emus Moo? by Tod Schneider is a whimsical children’s book that invites readers into a playful world of imagination, rhyme, and absurd humor. The story begins with a simple, silly question, whether emus moo, and quickly spirals into a series of imaginative scenarios where children imagine becoming different animals, complete with feathers, beaks, or hooves. The rhythmic language and clever wordplay make it highly engaging, especially for younger readers, while the bilingual English-Spanish format adds an extra layer of accessibility and educational value.Beyond its humor, the book excels in encouraging creativity and participation, asking readers to imagine transformations and make playful choices about what they would like to become. The tone is lighthearted and interactive, with a narrator who speaks directly to the audience, making it feel like a shared storytelling experience rather than a traditional narrative. While the plot itself is intentionally loose and surreal, this openness is part of its charm, allowing children to explore ideas of identity and imagination freely. Overall, Do Emus Moo? is a fun, quirky, and engaging read that will appeal to children who enjoy silly stories and inventive language.