On the book jacket, Wendell Minor shares a photo of himself as a youngster sitting near chickens. As I share the book with children, I would show this picture and allow them to wonder about where the author is and how it relates to the book. This little feature connects the story with the seed idea the author used.
My Farm Friends begins with an introduction to the farm, enticing you to explore the farm. This test would support students who live in an agricultural setting, sparking ideas to write about. For those students living in an urban setting, the pictures will bring the farm to them.
Nine animals are featured. The text has a repeated structure, describing characteristics of the animals, rhyming lines (ABCB pattern). A fun fact is added in. For example, did yo know that turkeys purr when content?
For a sneak peak at the book, view the YouTube video:
At the end, each animal is featured in a two page fun fact spread. It’s a great example for a nonfiction unit of study. Six internet sources are included for further research. A favorite is http://www.kiddyhouse.com/farm.
Savorings for reading and in writing for My Farm Friends:
- Magic of 3 – in the introduction
- Repeated Structure
- Adjectives – great for young children to learn and understand
- Character descriptions
- Everyday Happenings – on the farm
Warsaw Community Public Library – new book
Book Savors 