Predictions: Edward Thatcher is an enemy of the main character, Robert. The main character is in elementary because he still has recess. Robert is going to be really hurt because the cow is dragging him everywhere.
Images:
Here, is the trunk of a maple tree. This maple tree trunk is similar to the one in ADNPWD (A Day No Pigs Would Die) where Robert whips the tree because he is angry at his enemy, Edward Thatcher.
Above, is a picture of a Holstein cow. This cow is similar to Apron, the neighbor's cow who gave birth. These cows tend to weigh around 1,500 lbs and stand at about 58 inches. That is a huge cow.
Clarify: The time period of the book is during the late 1800's, so it was normal for a farm boy to know how to help with the birth of a calf, whereas today many 12 year old boys would have no idea what to do.
Try: How did the cow manage to give birth to the calf? How did the hard ball get into the cow's wind-pipe? Why did the cow bite him?
Use: I once experienced the sight of a baby being born, and it was NOT pretty at all. The birthing experience is very painful, from what it looks like and from what I've heard.
Review: Robert skipped school because his enemy, Edward Thatcher, was bullying him. On his way home, he sees his neighbors cow giving birth. The cow looked like it was in pain, so Robert goes to help him but it turns into a cow chase. The cow chase includes Robert taking his pants off and being dragged by the cow through prickers and branches. After the cow gave birth, Robert tried to take the goiter out of the cows throat because the cow was not breathing. When Robert did this, the cow bit down hard on Robert's arm, after coming back into consciousness, and would not let go.