PPBF: Our Animal Friends

 

Author/Illustrator: Alice and Martin Provensen
Publisher: Random House, 1974
Ages: 3-8yrs
Themes: farm animals, domestic animals, farm life
Opening: Who lives at Maple Hill Farm?
Summary: (from Amazon) Two dogs, five horses, a pig, some geese, lots of chickens, a few cows, a few goats, several sheep, and four special cats — these are the animals at Maple Hill Farm.
With simple text that is both affectionate and wry, and irresistible illustrations that burst with personality, Alice and Martin Provensen bring their barnyard friends to life for the delight of animal lovers both young and old.

I like this book because: this picture book tells all about farm life, even without the words and I appreciate the range of children that can enjoy this – even on their own. The well designed spreads pictures are humorous yet honest – maybe that’s what makes them so timeless.

Robyn and Susanna?

Resources/activities: sing Old MacDonald; list all the farm animals you can think of and talk about why they might be kept on a farm (other than sheer cuteness!); visit a farm, preferably a working farm. My city of choice, Fort Collins, CO, has one that serves ‘as an educational and interactive experience for residents and visitors’, where one ‘can learn more about the industry that shaped this region, have interactive, hands-on farm fun, and introduce your child to agriculture and farm life while visiting’ – for more info click HERE

For more Perfect Picture Book picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog HERE.