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About The Book

A goat and a hen turn a playful exploration of physics into scientific fun that rises to the top!

Archie the Goat has a delivery to make. He has several barrels of buttermilk that the queen needs, but in order to get them to her, he needs to cross the moat.

Testing several different theories to find out what will float and what will sink, Archie and his friend Skinny the Hen don’t succeed at first, but they do try, try, try again (and again). And with reason and persistence, they’ll get that buttermilk where it needs to be!

About The Author

Photo Credit:

Lynne Berry has published numerous poems in Cricket and Ladybug magazines, and she is the author of the picture books Duck Skates, The Curious Demise of the Contrary Cat, What Floats in a Moat?, and Pig and Pug. Lynne lives in Nashville, Tennessee.

About The Illustrator

courtesy of the author

Matthew Cordell’s work has appeared in several books, including Leap Back Home to Me by Lauren Thompson and Itsy-Bitsy Baby Mouse by Michelle Meadows. He lives with his wife outside of Chicago.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (December 1, 2013)
  • Length: 48 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781416997634
  • Ages: 5 - 9

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Raves and Reviews

"A highly enjoyable read-aloud whose characters are both eccentric and loveable."

– Publishers Weekly, starred review

"A goofy romp that will fit right in with elementary school science lessons."

– Kirkus

"This gem tells a fun, slapstick story while teaching the basic physics of buoyancy and Archimedes’s principle. This story will liven up any science class and also hold its own as a spirited pleasure read."

– School Library Journal

Awards and Honors

  • ILA/CBC Children's Choices
  • Young Hoosier Book Award Nominee (IN)
  • Maryland Blue Crab Young Reader Award Honor Book
  • MSTA Reading Circle List

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images

More books from this author: Lynne Berry

More books from this illustrator: Matthew Cordell