No cow-tipping allowed

“A Field Guide to Cows” is a semi-humorous book, which really can be used as a field guide to said ruminants. There are no photos, though, just black-and-white drawings. While this keeps the price down, it might disappoint one or two cow-lovers.

52 breeds found in the United States are included, from the ubiquitous Holstein milk cows to stranger breeds like the Dexter (only three feet high) or the hairy Scottish Highland Cattle. Some cow breeds have pretty obvious names, such as Beefmaster or Milking Shorthorn. There's also a breed called Brangus. Yes, you guessed it: it's a cross between the Brahman and the Angus!

The book contains a lot of comic-like pictures, including one with the caption “The cow is of the Bovine ilk; One end is moo, the other, milk”. The author has also included jocular recommendations about what not to do when cow-spotting: “Don't chase cows. They just might turn and chase you” or “Don't moo excessively at cows with calves”. The best one is “Don't cow tip”. Don't do…what exactly?

Not sure how to rate this near-novelty stuff, but for the comic relief value, perhaps four stars?