ON THE FARM

Uncle Kevin has a farm, e-i-e-i-oh, there’s a lot going on there!

No job is too big or too small on Kevin’s farm, and everyone pitches in. Harvey’s busy illustrations have a Where’s Waldo? feel, the first presenting an aerial view of the entire enormous place, with about 100 critters and nearly as many people working in various areas. Subsequent two-page spreads give close-up views of each area. Each has some descriptive text, and most include a bit of verse. In the shed, all kinds of farm equipment is being repaired. One woman holds a bright blue drill and has a piglet peeking out of the front pocket of her bib overalls; a man walks down the stairs holding a cow (!) in his arms; a barrel labeled “take your pick” is full of, well, pickaxes. Elsewhere, the pigs and the sheep play right next to each other; the former get washed every day, while the latter are being lovingly sheared. The orchard features a variety of trees, like pears and almonds and “ozfruit” (this is an Australian import). Signor Paddy and Signora Maria Antipasto keep all the egg-laying fowl on the farm and make great cakes and biscuits, too. There’s also a vineyard, rows of crops, stables, a diner with adjoining lawns for picnics, etc. 

Harvey’s mirth and ingenuity are apparent throughout, and though some components misfire, many more are delightfully daffy. Like a big box of chocolates.