Bursting from the barn on the title page, a proud hen exhorts all critters to hasten in and witness the “tap, tap, tappity-tap” of the farm’s incipient addition. Mack’s full-bleed, double-page acrylics crackle with a bright exuberance derived from the brief, scrappy text’s insistent call to action. A goat leaps a fence—bleating “Coming! Coming!”—its fluffy white body filling the picture plane. An enthusiastic Border collie helps a careening flock of sheep go “Faster! Faster!” As the cracking egg’s erstwhile denizen emits its first pair of cheeps, an array of inquisitive beaks and noses crowds around. Perfect for exuberant toddler storytimes and family read-alouds, this would also serve nicely as a colorful welcome for a new (human) addition. Highly recommended. (Picture book. 2-4)
