Ella and Tom are having a day on the farm, it is spring time and there are lots of baby animals to see but unfortunately the farmer has lost his baby puppy somewhere so Ella and Tom are helping him try and find it. Is the puppy in the field? Lift the gate flap to see. Perhaps he is splashing in the pond with the ducks, is that him under the lily pad? Maybe he is in the barn, open the stable door and peer inside. When Ella and Tom still haven’t found him they try the hay stacks where they can play too. Lifting the hay bale they get a wonderful surprise but it isn’t the puppy! Possibly he is in the house in his basket, lift the blanket for a look. If that isn’t him then try the cushion on the settee. When Ella and Tom finally find the puppy he is ready to play, then there is a sound from outside the door, open it up and find out who else is ready to play.

 With plenty of farmyard imagery from the animals to the people and the implements used there is much for the adult reading the story to discuss with the children listening. When each flap is carefully lifted there are yet more animals to be seen, noises to be made and thoughtful questions to be answered. For example, why do so many animal babies have small tails and thin legs? How are they different from the adult animals? Are these differences similar to those between  human children and adults? There is also the opportunity for children to guess what they might find behind each flap adding a lovely element of surprise .

This story will encourage children to develop a wider knowledge and understanding of the animal world and farms too! They will become familiar with what different animals look like, where they live, and if the adult reader is compliant, even with the noises they make. A good introduction to animals and their habitats with simple language.  This form of interactive book is great for young developing readers and their parents to share.

2008-01-13