There’s something magical about the first time we try something new. It could be as simple as tasting a new food, stepping into a new class, or taking on a new challenge that once felt impossible. The thrill of discovery, the surprise of success, and the joy of growth are experiences that bring energy to our lives.

But trying something new isn’t always easy. Many of us, like the cow in the delightful story How the Cow Jumped Over the Moon, get stuck in routines. We chew and chew—doing the same things in the same way—until life begins to feel small, repetitive, and uninspired.

This book offers children (and all of us!) a playful reminder: the adventure begins when we’re willing to step out of the familiar and into the unknown.

The Trap of “That’s All I Do”
In the story, the cow has a comfortable life. A big field, endless grass, and a safe routine. But comfort can quickly turn into boredom. She turns away opportunity after opportunity—a frog invites her to hop, a dog to swim, a pig to wallow, a horse to race. Each time, the cow replies, “I chew and chew. I stay in this pasture. That’s all I do.”

How often do we say something similar in our own lives?

• “I don’t dance. That’s not me.”
• “I could never learn to paint.”
• “Technology? Too confusing.”
• “Travel? No, I wouldn’t know how.”

We tell ourselves we don’t know how—and stop before we even start. Just like the cow, we let fear, self-doubt, or habit fence us in. Kids can do the same.

The Power of Encouragement
What makes this story so fun is that every animal encourages the cow to do something new. The frog, the dog, the pig, and the horse all try. But it’s the chicken who finally makes a difference.

Why? Because the chicken shows how. She explains:

1. Want it. You have to first desire the change.
2. Try. Take a step, even if small.
3. Never stop. Keep going until success comes.
   

This simple recipe is the secret to every big achievement, whether it’s learning to play piano, running a marathon, starting a business, or yes—even jumping over the moon.

The cow finally realizes, “If a chicken can do it, I can too.” And so she tries, and tries again, until she succeeds.

The Lesson for Children (and Adults)
One of the best gifts we can give children is the courage to try new things. Whether it’s a new sport, a subject in school, making a friend, or performing on stage, these first attempts can be intimidating. Stories like How the Cow Jumped Over the Moon teach in a lighthearted way that persistence, curiosity, and courage open doors.

And let’s be honest—it’s not only children who need this reminder. Adults too can get stuck in routines and ruts. Sometimes it takes a playful little cow to remind us that life is richer when we allow ourselves to leap.

How Trying Something New Changes Us
Why is it so important to embrace new experiences? Here are just a few ways daring to try something new changes us:

• Builds confidence. Each new success, no matter how small, strengthens belief in ourselves.
• Expands creativity. New experiences fuel imagination and inspire fresh ideas.
• Breaks boredom. Routine is comfortable, but it can become dull. Variety adds sparkle to life.
• Encourages resilience. We learn that failure isn’t final—it’s just another step toward success.
• Opens connections. New hobbies or adventures often lead us to meet new people and form new friendships.
  

The cow’s leap over the moon may be whimsical, but it captures the truth: trying something new can lift us to places we never thought we could reach.

A Story to Inspire
How the Cow Jumped Over the Moon is more than a playful twist on a classic nursery rhyme. It’s an invitation to children (and the child inside us all) to live boldly.

It reminds us that:

• We don’t have to stay stuck in the same field, doing the same things.
  
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• We can dream bigger, want more, and dare to do the impossible.
• With encouragement, persistence, and belief, even a cow can jump over the moon.
  

And once we’ve succeeded in one daring adventure, the world opens wide. Like the cow, we’re no longer bored. Instead, we begin dreaming up new adventures—then going out and doing them.

Bringing the Lesson Home
Parents and teachers can use this story as a springboard to encourage children to:

• Try a new food at dinner.
• Read a different type of book.
• Join a new game at recess.
  
• Attempt a new art project or sport.
• Share one thing they’d like to try and take the first step toward it.

Even the simple act of asking, “What’s something new you’d like to do today?” can spark fresh energy and growth.

A Leap Toward Joy
At its heart, How the Cow Jumped Over the Moon is about joy. Joy in discovery, in courage, in trying, and in finally succeeding.

It’s a story that children will laugh at, adults will smile over, and everyone will remember when they face their next “No, no, I don’t know how.”

Because deep down, we all want to jump over our own moon.

Discover the Book
If you’d like to share this whimsical, inspiring tale with the children in your life, you can find How the Cow Jumped Over the Moon by Sally Huss by clicking here. 

Browse my whole collection of children's
books:  https://www.sallyhuss.com/childrens-books.html


Filled with cheerful illustrations and a timeless message, it’s a book that makes trying new things fun.
Encourage your little ones to dream big, leap high, and never stop trying—because one day, they too may find themselves jumping over the moon.

As I woke up this morning with the remnants of a mildly disturbing dream lingering in my head, I thought that it would be nice to have a perfect bedtime story to read to myself every night before dropping off to sleep. It would set things right for the mind. Naturally a prayer or two are helpful as is the practice of counting one's blessings. But I thought that a magical bedtime story would be wonderful, one that went deep into oneself and planted the perfect thoughts.

Then I wrote it. Here it is:

There is a wonderful plan of which you are a part. It is to bring goodness into the world, into your country, into your town, into your home, into your life and heart. You, like all people, are the container of this goodness. You have the ability to spread goodness wherever you go and wherever you are.
 
The plan includes you, but is not about you. It is about goodness, and the more you realize this, the better you feel. The better you feel the more goodness you spread. When you think of yourself, think of goodness. When you think of your work, think of goodness. When you think of the people around you, think of goodness. When you think of the circumstances in your life, think of goodness.
 
This is why you are here - to be good, think good, do good and feel good.

Why Goodness and Happiness Belong Together
Goodness and happiness are not separate things. When you act with kindness, live with integrity, and look for the good in life, you naturally feel happier. And when you feel happier, you can more easily share goodness with others.
It’s a perfect circle. A beautiful one.
So tonight, as you close your eyes, remind yourself: Goodness matters for goodness’ sake.

A Gentle Reminder
This little musing is one of many I’ve written and illustrated over the years. If you enjoy thoughts like this, you might like my books:

• The Importance of Living Happy
• 365 Reminders of the Importance of Living Happy
  

Both are filled with short, uplifting pieces just like this one — reminders to keep your heart light, your outlook bright, and your life centered on goodness and joy.