Busy Little Mouse

by Eugenie Fernandes

Summary: As Busy Little Mouse hurries outside to play, children are introduced to his many farmyard playmates and the sounds they make.

This book’s illustrations are appealing. The illustrator uses 3D artwork with pliable modeling material. Young children are sure to enjoy the animals highlighted in the text.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 4

Farmyard Beat

by Lindsey Craig

Summary: The sounds of the farm animals create a lively beat that keep Farmer Sue, the chicks, sheep, and other farm animals awake.

This is a humorous story. It is a great interactive read aloud. The reader can ask children to mimic the sounds throughout.

Interest Level: ages 2-4
Reading Level: grade 1

Babe: The Gallant Pig

by Dick King-Smith

Summary: A piglet destined for eventual butchering arrives at the farmyard, is adopted by an old sheep dog, and discovers a special secret to success.

Having seen the adorable movie, Babe more times than I should admit, I decided to read this book when I came across it. It is short, humorous, and very enjoyable. I recommend it especially to any pig lovers, dog lovers, or lovers of any farm animals at all. I understand that Dick King-Smith has written other animal stories, and that they were incorporated into the movie Babe.

Interest Level: grades k-6
Reading Level: grade 6

Can Hens Give Milk?

by Joan Betty Stuchner

Summary: On a small farm in Chelm, a man and his daughter set out to find a way to get milk from their hens, and the results are not only funny, they're wacky.

This is a humorous story that is based on the Jewish tales of a place called Chelm. In this fictional land, people do not have a great deal of common sense. This is a fantastic read for this summer’s reading theme “One World Many Stories.” Anytime of the year, it is great to incorporate in a unit lesson on folk tales and fairytales. A reader can activate a listener by asking questions such as “Can that happen?” or “Does that make sense?” throughout the story.

Interest Level: ages 2-grade 3
Reading Level: grade 3