CHUCK’S BAND

While cogitating in his rocking chair, green cat resting at his feet, Farmer Chuck gets a notion and goes into town to Ariel’s Music Store. He buys a banjo for himself and a mandolin for goat Flo. Once they start playing, other farm animals run to join in, starting with dogs Nip and Tuck (on harmonica and guitar, respectively). The big cow Lou joins in on the washtub, and sow Sue adds a mean fiddle. Chuck goes back to town for more instruments, adding a bass violin for Huck the workhorse and a washboard for Luck the duck. The chicken and Buck the mule add vocals. Poor Fat Cat Pat feels left out. Chuck takes her to town, where he buys the cat a pair of earmuffs, perfect for sitting at her master’s feet as the band plays on. Bright acrylics, a cleverly rollicking text and the introduction of many farm animals and instruments nudge this above average. (Picture book. 3-6)