Punk Farm on Tour

October 1, 2007
PreS-Gr 2-In this sequel to "Punk Farm" (Knopf, 2005), the animals take their rock band on tour while Farmer Joe is away at a tractor conference. Sheep, Pig, Goat, Chicken, and Cow fix up an old van and hit the road, singing in barns and fields across the country. Their new hit, inspired by their journey, takes the country by storm: "The wheels on the van go round and round]all through the town." And when the van pops a tire or the engine breaks down, they just add another verse to their song. They play their final concert and rush home just ahead of Farmer Joe. The text is slight, really just an embellished version of the children's song, but the peppy acrylic illustrations triple the fun. The performers sport cool shades and funky stage accessories: Sheep wears a headband; Cow has a big chain (with cowbell) around her neck; Pig has spiked wristbands; and Goat wears (what else?) a goatee. Children will enjoy seeing this familiar song brought to life and can sing along with the verses. Pair this book with Paul O. Zelinsky's "The Wheels on the Bus" (Dutton, 1990) for a rock-and-rolling storytime."Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, ME"

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