From the bull to the barn cat to the wild bunny, the farmyard bustles with life. The rooster crows, the rams clash, the bees buzz, and over there in the garden, a snake - silent and alone - winds and watches. David Elliott's graceful, simple verse and Holly Meade's exquisite woodcut and watercolor illustrations capture a world that is at once timeless yet disappearing from view - the world of the family farm.

David Elliott's On The Farm is a terrific book that is filled with very unique illustrations. Each page features a short poem devoted to one of the farm's animals. It has received numerous literary honors, and its lovely illustrations and cute rhymes will win high praise from you and your little one.

As you turn each page, a new animal is presented, and that variety will sustain your child's interest. The woodcut and watercolor illustrations are quite beautiful, and your child will love how expressive all of the animals look. The charming rhymes that accompany each illustration are always informative and usually funny, which will make your little one more engaged in the story.

When I first introduced this book to my nephew Joshua, he seemed more interested in chasing his dog around the house than reading a book. However, I was pleasantly surprised that he loved the book and quickly became involved in the story. He particularly liked the poem about the barn cat that read "mice had better think twice". The book was entertaining and managed to win over the attention of an overly energetic boy in the midst of playtime.

--Eve