MY FARM FRIENDS

What a great read-along for the preschool set! In text, Wendell Minor's visit to the farm involves intriguing questions and answers about favorite farm animals, and in his lush illustrations, he creates animals that young listeners will want to reach out and touch. Tom Bodett's rich timbre and distinctive intonation bring an authentic country touch to the story. His emphasis on the rhythm and rhyme is light: “The pigs have no pool to keep themselves cool.” Bodett's pacing is not leisurely, but no matter. One can't help but look and listen repeatedly to this attractive book-and-CD combination. Farm sound effects provide background, and additional farm facts complete the production. A.R. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2012]