REUBEN AND BARNEY'S DAY ON THE FARM

Working on a farm is fun, especially when you do it with your best friend.

Reuben, a young, blond boy with a bowl haircut, wakes up early and says hello to his dog, Barney, who's white with brown spots and about the same size as the rooster. After putting on a blue jumpsuit and green boots, it's time for Reuben to feed the chickens. He also gives them (and Barney) some water. Next, he visits the rabbits for a feeding and a cuddle, then picks some strawberries, weeds the vegetable patch, chases some goats out of the flowerbed, gives the pigs some apples, and visits the beekeeper, all in one morning! Reuben and Barney take a nap under an apple tree and play in the hayloft before more farm exploration. In the afternoon, Reuben gets to ride his favorite animal, Chestnut the pony. On the way, he and Barney find a bird's nest in a hedge. There's also a visit to the cows, a windmill, Dad on his tractor, the hay baler, birds eating grain, the pear orchard, and more. "It's time for supper," Dad declares. "You've had a busy day." Reuben and Barney wave to all the animals before they go inside. Kuiper and de Wolf pack their simple portrait with content, the straightforward text and loose, soft-focus, well-composed illustrations in perfect harmony.

Warm and subtly infectious.