ONE MONDAY

An especially strong wind wreaks fanciful havoc on a small farm. One Monday morning Annabelle is awakened by the wind banging on the barn’s tin roof and by that afternoon the wind has blown so hard that the “pigs’ curly tails were straightened like rulers.” The wind continues to blow throughout the week, growing stronger all the time. By Wednesday, “the corn picked itself.” By Friday, frogs were surfing in the troughs and “the cow had lost most of her spots.” Luckily by Sunday, the wind has died down, but on Monday it begins to rain. Whimsical watercolor illustrations document the winds mischievousness as it swirls farm animals into the air; sends flowers and vegetables tumbling; and turns all the chickens’ feathers inside out. The simple text, which swirls through each picture as if blown by the wind, is almost unnecessary, but the metaphors are as charming as the pictures. Particularly attentive young readers will seek out the small mouse that flies through each illustration on the wings of a paper airplane. A wonderful first effort by Huntington that will have readers waiting breathlessly for the next Monday. (Picture book. 3-7)