farmyard tales

"This is Apple Tree Farm. This is Mrs. Boot, the farmer. She has two children, called Poppy and Sam, and a dog called Rusty." I wrote that line from memory, as I've read it many many times - they are the first lines in each of the 20 short stories in Usborne's The Complete Book of Farmyard Tales (written by Heather Armery, illustrated by Stephen Cartwright). 

I find these opening lines endearing, as Josh has also learned them by heart and recites them whenever we read one of these stories together. Each of the stories in this collection tells some aspect of the lives of Mrs. Boot, the farmer, and her life around Apple Tree Farm. 

The stories are designed for early readers: the first line on each page is short, for the child to read, followed by a slightly more complex sentences, for the parent or pal reading alongside the child. The stories are simple but engaging: a pig gets stuck after eating the chickens' food, a tractor loses control and runs into a pond, a snow storm covers the sheep, the local train station is brought back to life.

And, to put the cherry on top, the book comes with an audio recording of all of the stories. I was hesitant about this at first, but they're really fun: the narrator has a soothing, British voice, and there are sound effects sprinkled throughout to further bring depth to the stories. (listen to a sample below)

Put simply, it's that book so full of life, on multiple levels, you will pull it off the shelf again and again.

Book benefits - there are so many!

• 20 diverse stories mean endless opportunities for reading
• Multi-level text allows early readers to share in the process
• Bright, colorful illustrations add depth to the stories
• A map at the front of the book puts all the events in context
• A CD of the stories, narrated with music and sound effects, comes with the book!
  • Listen to a sample here
• Thick, glossy pages and a padded cover allow for a long reading life for this book
• A little duck hides on each page, waiting to be found!

One more benefit is that Apple Tree Farm is the focus of several Usborne books - so if your child is pulled into the series, there are many ways to enjoy these characters! (See more here)

I'm happy Josh loves these stories... but even if he didn't, I would still curl up in a chair and read about life on Apple Tree Farm! 

Buy The Complete Book of Farmyard Tales ($24.99, padded hardcover)

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