Though bright and busy, it's the movable parts that really make this farm a memorable one to visit.
A farming family's work is never done.
Buoyant images depict the actions of the farmer and several youngsters as they complete their chores. Girls and boys mix both work and play, following traditional gender roles: A girl carries a basket of eggs while a boy drives the tractor, for instance. Unadorned rhymes describe the actions of both the children and their animals. “Time to fetch the fluffy sheep, / Then head for home and go to sleep.” Sliders with accompanying arrows add interactivity that complements the text. Hogs pop up above the gate with an easy push, and a turning wheel shows the dog as he rounds up the sheep. Small fingers will easily manipulate the majority of objects independently, though the bale of hay may prove difficult.
Though bright and busy, it's the movable parts that really make this farm a memorable one to visit. (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: April 15, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-230-73987-1
Page Count: 10
Publisher: Campell/Trafalgar
Review Posted Online: June 13, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2012
A lovely depiction of a first friendship.
A young girl enjoys the company of her stuffed rabbit from sunup to sundown.
This companion title to Ben Loves Bear (2013) follows a similar day-in-the-life format. In soft watercolor double-page spreads and smaller vignettes, Bella and Bunny do some gardening, enjoy a picnic and play the piano. McPhail uses simple, descriptive sentences to caption the art and includes bits of humor, such as Bunny’s enjoyment of a slice of carrot cake and Bella’s rough-and-tumble treatment of her friend. Probably due to issues of size and scale, some children may initially be confused as to whether Bunny is a stuffed animal or not, but Bella and Bunny’s warm relationship will draw them in regardless.
A lovely depiction of a first friendship. (Board book. 18 mos.-3)Pub Date: March 12, 2013
ISBN: 978-1-4197-0543-4
Page Count: 22
Publisher: Abrams Appleseed
Review Posted Online: Feb. 26, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2013
This well-executed, toddler-friendly board book is a great introduction to fall and a perfect choice for one-on-one or small...
Broach’s eager toddler is back (Seashore Baby, 2010; Snowflake Baby, 2011) to explore another season—this time, fall on the farm.
Spare, poetic text describes a toddler’s busy autumn day, beginning with: “Barnyard baby / Autumn day / Sweater baby / Let’s go play.” The sweet, dynamic illustrations depict an exuberant toddler decked out in overalls, sweater and hat cheerfully pulling a wagon toward a barn door. For extra fun, the red barn door is a flap that lifts to reveal a cow and calf. The second double-page spread presents “Wagon baby / Marching legs / Henhouse baby / Finding eggs.” The henhouse door is the flap here, revealing a hen and three little chicks. Baby proceeds to feed the sheep, jump into a leaf pile, pick apples, sip cider and chase a cat. Finally, the tot dons flannel pajamas and cuddles up to sleep with the little puppy that’s been a faithful companion all day long. Children will enjoy following the baby’s journey through the busy fall day and discovering the animals hidden beneath the large, easy-to-grab flaps located on each right-hand page. The endearing rhymes scan well and read quickly, a great combination for keeping little ones interested.
This well-executed, toddler-friendly board book is a great introduction to fall and a perfect choice for one-on-one or small group sharing. (Board book. 1-3)Pub Date: Aug. 6, 2013
ISBN: 978-0-316-21203-8
Page Count: 14
Publisher: LB Kids/Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: Aug. 13, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2014
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