Moo Baa Baa Quack

Review also includes: Meet the Gang, 978-1444001990

Here are two enjoyable additions to this ‘Early Reader’ series. In Moo Baa Baa Quack the animals at Potter’s Barn are all excited. They have prepared their part of the farm and tidied everything up because today visitors will hear them perform their new song. But will it be ready on time? Belle the pig (the conductor) has a few worried moments as the ducklings keep coming in at the wrong moment and it is up to the other animals to sort things out. Which they do, of course, but in a way that will delight and surprise young readers. Brightly illustrated pages mean that there are plenty of clues to help newly confident readers with the text, and the questions at the end of the book will mean that children can proudly share their knowledge of the book with the adults once more. To be enjoyed.

The animals on Buffin Street are excited by the news of a new arrival in Meet the Gang. Who is she and what will she be like? Just like a class of children, each animal has its own concerns and questions as they prepare to meet Honey, an innocent and well meaning puppy. Fortunately, Honey is made to feel welcome in spite of some offhand comments by some of the animals. The illustrations are cheerful and always appropriate, making it easy for the child to identify with the story and read the text. This will be a useful book to have in the classroom, especially in schools where there is a large transient population and it would be a good book to have whenever the needs of new children are being considered.