Field Trip Day

March 1, 2010
K-Gr 3-Juan Dore-Nomad, inquirer par excellence, stars in this sixth installment about Mrs. Shepherd's class. Whereas the other episodes occur within school walls, this one showcases the learning implicit in a field trip to an organic farm. Juan's questions lead his class to discover what the farm animals eat, how plants make natural dyes for wool, and how wind turbines power the small farm. Rather than holding up the class, Juan is always just a step ahead, which constantly challenges the adult chaperones. They count heads in sets, by threes, and play with addition as they panic over the missing student, which is always inquisitive Juan, off making more discoveries. This good-natured story, while sometimes veering on the formulaic or saccharine, will appeal to children, especially those who adore farm animals. The watercolor-and-ink cartoons are lively and depict a diverse class that lauds thinking and questioning over strict rule-keeping. This rollicking, dialogue-heavy romp into the workings of a modern organic farm will keep young listeners entertained."Sara Lissa Paulson, American Sign Language and English Lower School PS 347, New York City"

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2010
Preschool-G Like the exploring students it portrays, this book occasionally loses its way. At times it seems to operate as a guide to the ins and outs of organic farming, since the setting of this class-trip excursion is a visit to Fandangles Organic, Environmentally Friendly Farm, where wind turbines power the operation and the bearded patriarch uses natural dyes made of spinach leaves and acorns to color his sheeps wool. Certainly, its a peek at a life not often seen in picture books, and that will be appreciated by both kids and adults. At other times, the story is more of an exercise in math, since Juans disappearances (he likes to sneak behind the scenes in an attempt to satisfy his own curiosity) always elicit a head count of the 23 students, minus one. We counted two sets of ten and had two extra students, so that makes . . . Still the pictures of iconic farmyard scenes and racially diverse kids busily exploring have a pleasant, energetic feel, and the classroom-reading appeal is strong.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)