Down on the Farm

Mr. and Mrs. Noodleman, new to Chicken Noodle Farm and their 552 chickens, begin their egg business. They soon discover, however, that their henhouse is haunted. The not-so-scary ghost helps the couple solve a mystery in this funny, slightly wacky tale.

Animals shown in color photographs engage in a range of recognizable activities — from romping to snuggling. Lively language and a sturdy format are used in this appealing book just right to share with young children.

For every action, there really is a consequence as this lively, rhyming tale demonstrates. The young narrator well understands it when she warns others not to slam the door! Chaos reigns temporarily on the family farm but is likely to begin again.

The author recalls moving from the city to a farm on Middlebury Road. There the family had dogs, cats, fowl, and a cow. The young narrator, whose birthday is coming up, longs for a horse. Richly detailed watercolors warmly evoke a family, farm life, and a dream.

A large format is used for detailed, expressive illustrations to create a portrait of a contemporary farm. When combined with lyrical language, the changing seasons, information about planting and animals, and farm life are successfully presented.

All week when Farmer Greenstalk and his family have minor problems, it’s “pigs to the rescue” — with hilarious results. The disasters created by the supportive porkers are seen only in comic illustrations which also remind readers that it isn’t over yet!

Two small piggies leave their sleeping mom in the pumpkin patch for a barnyard romp — over and under, behind, and into — until they wind up back to where they started for a snooze. Comic illustrations and text combine to present a playful porcine gambol.

Earth’s recipe for the food we eat — seed, soil, and sun — are presented in crisp photographs and brief, lucid text all in a large format. Young scientists (and their adults) may be inspired to start their own seeds but observe their world more closely.

Fred and Belle take in a small turkey, naming him Buford. Thanks to Buford’s insect eating (and his droppings), Belle’s garden is the best around; that is, until wild turkeys join him on the small farm. Fred’s creativity humorously resolves the problem — maybe.

This look at one local farm presents a look at work on a farm raising food and animals while protecting the environment. Handsome photographs show the uniqueness of the seasons.