by Marianne Berkes, illustrated by Cathy Morrison
The farm is a busy, exhilarating place where all kinds of animal mamas and their babies can be found. Take a journey to discover what the animals are called, how many there are, and what sound they make in Over on the Farm. Presented as an energetic rhyme that can be either spoken or sung to the traditional tune “Over in the Meadow,” the tale is a fun look at 10 different animals and is sure to bring a smile to children ages 3 to 8.
The story begins with a mama and her one baby, with each page progressing until the last mama and her 10 babies are introduced. On each spread, quaint illustrations crafted with beautiful colors are the perfect backdrop for the rhyme, numerals and animal sounds. In the last part of the story, readers are given a chance to find and count all the animals and are encouraged to search for a hidden surprise on previous pages, ensuring a fun and engaging experience every time the book is read.
Author Marianne Berkes, who has experience as an early childhood educator, children’s theater director and children’s librarian, has given parents and educators six additional pages of information and hints to facilitate more discussion, songs, and activities about animals on the farm. She has also written other “Over” books set in a variety of unique habitats. Over on the Farm, available at local bookstores and online, is another beautiful book enhanced by the award-winning Colorado illustrator Cathy Morrison, who has been included in previous CCL book review issues.