Veronica's Very Important Scratch

Veronica's Very Important Scratch
by Jaz Hoy, Rick Hoy (Illustrator) 
 
In this charming alpine tale, readers meet Veronica, a cheerful Swiss Brown cow living high in the Austrian Alps whose one persistent problem is impossible to ignore: she is very, very itchy. Despite her best efforts scratching against trees, rocks, and fences, some spots remain frustratingly out of reach. Everything changes when Veronica discovers an old broom beside a shed. With a bit of experimentation, she realizes the bristles are perfect for big itches while the smooth handle works wonders on smaller ones. Delighted by her discovery, Veronica sets out to share her clever solution with the other animals.
 
At first, her idea is met with skepticism and confusion. Greta the goat hesitates, Otto the horse dismisses tools altogether, and the sheep simply follow one another without understanding. Veronica begins to feel the quiet loneliness that can come from thinking differently. However, when a storm strikes and a young calf named Liesel falls into a stream, Veronica uses her broom in an entirely new way, rescuing her quickly and safely. In that moment, the other animals finally see the value of her inventive thinking, and soon they, too, embrace the broom and the idea behind it.
 
This story blends a simple, engaging narrative with a gentle but meaningful message about creativity, problem-solving, and the courage it takes to stand apart. The repetition and rhythm make it especially appealing for young readers, while the gradual shift from doubt to acceptance adds emotional depth without overwhelming the audience. Veronica is an endearing protagonist whose small problem leads to a larger lesson: thinking differently may feel isolating at first, but it can ultimately help not just oneself, but others too.
 
Overall, Veronica’s Very Important Scratch is a warm and accessible children’s story that encourages curiosity and open-mindedness. Its understated humor and heartfelt conclusion make it a lovely choice for both read-aloud moments and early independent readers, leaving behind a message that is as practical as it is uplifting.

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Alongside the books there is a free online library at veronicacow.com — colouring pages, activity sheets, cow facts, read-alouds and more, all completely free for families to access.

The series is inspired by a real Swiss Brown cow in the Austrian Alps whose intelligence was featured in an international BBC story, which sparked the idea for Veronica.