Clancy the Courageous Cow

This charming and beautifully crafted story follows a young cow who doesn’t quite blend in with the rest of his breed. The book comes from an impressive creative background — author and illustrator Lachie Hume is the son of Alison Lester, one of Australia’s most celebrated children’s book creators. Remarkably, Lachie penned and illustrated this delightful tale while he was still in school (a fact that surely makes his mother beam with pride!).

At the heart of the story is Clancy, a spirited calf born into a herd of Belted Galloways — cows known for the distinctive white band around their middles. However, Clancy is different; he lacks the iconic belt that defines his herd. Determined to fit in, Clancy embarks on a series of imaginative and often hilarious attempts to acquire a belt of his own, but nothing seems to work.

Ultimately, Clancy discovers that his uniqueness is not a flaw but a hidden strength. His solid black coat allows him to slip unnoticed into the neighboring paddock, where he feasts on plentiful food, growing bigger and stronger. This unexpected twist sets him up to triumph in a high-stakes cow wrestling contest, securing valuable grazing rights for his entire herd. It’s a heartwarming and clever story about embracing individuality, turning differences into strengths, and finding pride in what sets you apart.