Little Farmer Joe

Perhaps blue is the colour of fear. Certainly in the first half of this picture book, while Joe is experiencing farm animals for the first time and not liking them one little bit, blue is the predominant colour. He is actually being quite brave, because he copes with the owl's call and the large shaggy dog, the cows with horns and the geese who chase, but he is not happy. It is only in the darkness of night when he helps his uncle deliver a baby lamb and comforts the distressed ewe that he truly feels brave. After that, the lovely, soft-focus illustrations glow with happiness and the over-large animals, as seen through the eyes of a frightened child, gain perspective. Joe's body language and facial expressions throughout are wonderfully expressive. Outstanding in every way.