Edmund for Short: A Tale from China Plate Farm

Patricia Morley is professor emerita of English and Canadian Studies at
Concordia University and an avid outdoor recreationist. She is also the
author of The Mountain Is Moving: Japanese Women’s Lives, Kurlek, and
Margaret Laurence: The Long Journey Hom

This new tale from China Plate Farm is as comical and charming as Chris
Jackson’s first book, Edmund and Hillary (1997).

Edmund is jealous when he fails to get attention from friend Hillary, a
hen, or from the other farm animals on the eve of the birth of a new
calf. The cows, named for their markings, revel in names such as
“Early-morning-clouds.” To gain their attention Edmund has painted
the shape of a running deer on his side and re-christened himself
“Edmund-swift-as-a-deer.” But the anticipated birth preoccupies the
farm animals. When Hillary asks Edmund to name the new-born calf, he
thinks that the calf’s markings suggest “A-moon-and-three-stars.”
The animals are delighted with the name and Edmund is now willing to be
plain old Edmund for short.

Jackson’s whimsical illustrations portraying Edmund’s feelings of
pique, pride, and final satisfaction are a perfect match for his tale.
The new birth adds to the happy and celebratory mood. Highly
recommended.