For the child who loves epic journeys filled with laughs and unexpected heroes, this graphic novel blends adventure and humor in a thrilling race against shadowy creatures.
A parent might reach for this book when their child needs a story that shows how courage and friendship can overcome daunting challenges, all wrapped in a hilarious package. "The Great Cow Race" is the second volume in the epic Bone saga, a graphic novel that masterfully blends slapstick comedy with high fantasy. The story follows the three Bone cousins as they get entangled in a local village's annual tradition: a chaotic and dangerous cow race. To pay off a debt, they must help the tough-as-nails Grandma Ben win, all while monstrous Rat Creatures and a shadowy villain lurk nearby. Perfect for ages 8 to 12, this book is an excellent choice for reluctant readers, offering a fast-paced plot, expressive art, and themes of bravery, loyalty, and standing up to bullies.
The primary sensitive topic is peril and the threat of evil. This is handled metaphorically through the monstrous but often comedic Rat Creatures and the more sinister Hooded One. The approach is entirely secular and fantastical. The resolution within this volume is hopeful and triumphant (Grandma Ben wins the race), but it's a small victory in a much larger, ongoing conflict, leaving the overarching threat unresolved.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is a 9-to-11-year-old who enjoys funny, action-packed stories but is ready for more complex plots and character development than found in early graphic novels. They likely enjoy series like "Amulet" or "Zita the Spacegirl" but also have a strong sense of humor. This book is a perfect bridge for a child transitioning from pure comedy to the fantasy adventure genre.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware that the Rat Creatures can be genuinely frightening for younger or more sensitive readers. Jeff Smith's art is very expressive, and scenes of them snarling with sharp teeth and claws might be worth a preview (e.g., their first major appearance hunting Fone Bone). It is the second book, but the story is recapped well enough that it can be read without having read the first, though context always helps. A parent has just seen their child finish a simpler graphic novel like "Dog Man" in a single sitting and says, "I want to find something with that same energy and humor, but with a real story they can sink their teeth into." Or, the child expresses a love for adventure stories but is intimidated by dense prose.
Age Experience
An 8-year-old will primarily enjoy the visual gags, the slapstick of the race, and the clear good vs. evil dynamic. A 12-year-old will have a deeper appreciation for the characterizations, the satire of Phoney's greed, the world-building hints, and the sophisticated blend of epic fantasy tropes with classic cartoon comedy. Older readers will recognize the influence of classic comics and epic literature.
What Makes It Special
Its unique fusion of P.T. Barnum-style huckster comedy with Tolkien-esque epic fantasy is unparalleled. While many graphic novels have adventure, few balance genuine, heartfelt character moments, laugh-out-loud slapstick, and truly menacing stakes so effectively. The classic black-and-white cartooning style also sets it apart visually in a market saturated with full-color digital art, giving it a timeless quality.
Read plot summary
This is the second volume in the Bone series. Exiled from Boneville, cousins Fone Bone, Phoney Bone, and Smiley Bone are in the Valley. Phoney's scheming nature leads him to swindle the Barrelhaven villagers, convincing them to bet against the perennial champion, Grandma Ben, in the annual Great Cow Race. To clear his name and debt, Fone Bone and Grandma Ben must race together. The comedic, chaotic race serves as the central plot, but it's set against the increasingly serious backdrop of the Rat Creatures' hunt for the Bones and the growing threat of the Hooded One.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Phoney Bone convinces the villagers to bet against Grandma Ben for his own selfish reasons. Do you think he's a bad person, or just greedy? Why do you think people believed his lies?
2
Fone Bone is small and not a great fighter, but he stands up to the Rat Creatures to protect his friends. What are some different ways characters in the book show bravery?
3
Grandma Ben is an amazing racer, but she couldn't have won without help. What specific things did Lucius, Fone Bone, and Smiley Bone do to help her win the race?
4
The Rat Creatures are scary, but they also have silly conversations about wanting to eat quiche. Why do you think the author, Jeff Smith, added these funny moments for the villains?
5
At the end of the race, Phoney Bone is celebrated as a hero even though his plan was a scam. Do you think he deserved the cheers? Why or why not?
