FARMYARD WORDS

Little readers learn about the farm.

This board book employs over 50 words across five double-page spreads to teach little ones all about the farmyard. The words range from the obvious (cow, horse, pig) to those less commonly associated with the farmyard (rainbow, ball, kite). Each scene presents rounded, smiling animals done in a primary color palette that will certainly catch young eyes. However, the tableaux run the risk of being overstuffed. With at least 10 identified objects in each scene, the book rewards repeat readings but might overwhelm sensitive readers. A large die-cut window in the middle of the book that features different animals jutting into the frame on each recto does little to add to the experience, actually detracting from the composition of the scenery. Jungle 123, which publishes concurrently, uses a similar format to explore the jungle and count tigers, monkeys, and other jungle animals.

An uneven introduction to the barnyard.