HI-FIVE FARM!

More narrowly focused but just as silly as Burach’s previous Hi-Five Animals (2018).

This time young readers are greeted with “hi-fives” from farm animals. The format mimics the original title, with rhyming text in a bold type that prompts readers to slap a high-five on almost every page. Some of the rhymes are forced; several span multiple page turns. Unless the child is quick, the flow is interrupted by the pause to slap the page. None of the animals are named, but most toddlers will recognize them from their emblematic characteristics, exaggerated but still clear in the black-lined illustrations. A turtle as a farm animal is a bit of a stretch. Likewise, a llama is not part of the traditional North American farm menagerie but is increasingly common on boutique farms. They join a horse and a duck for the two-spread rhyme: “Hi-five FAST! / And hi-five slooooooow! // Way up high! / And way down low!” The smiling animals all have the same googly eyes. Lifting an enlarged hoof, paw, or wing to provide a high-five target makes for some rather awkward poses, but bold, bright colors against equally bright backgrounds keep the attention on the game. Extra-thick board pages and sturdy construction will help the book weather the abuse all those hand slaps will generate.

More game than book, but fun for little ones. Give it a high-five.