Over on the Farm
Written by Marianne Berkes
Illustrated by Cathy Morrison
In this simple little counting book, the author reworks the song “Over in the Meadow,” into a rhyme about the animals on a traditional farm. For example:
Over on the farm
In a tree-hollow heaven
Lived a mother barn owl
And her little owlets seven
Some of the counts aren’t quite realistic, but the author takes license for the sake of rhyme and rhythm and later explains what the animals are really like. And the actions the animals take are consistent with actions real animals take and kids can identify with.
As usual, Morrison’s beautiful illustrations follow the text exactly and enhance the reader’s activities, such as counting the babies and looking for other details.
Just like the new verses to the song, there seem to be end to the reading activities available to first graders and up. Along with music for the song, directions are given for dancing to it. More Fun on the Farm makes many suggestions for further enjoyment of the story.
Title: Over on the Farm- Author: Marianne Berkes
- Illustrator: Cathy Morrison
- Published: Dawn Publications, 2016
- Reviewer: Sue Poduska
- Format: Hardcover, 32 pages
- Grade Level: PreK to 3
- Genre: Music, Counting, Animals
- ISBN: 978-1-58469-549-3
- Extras: Music, Fact or Fiction, Seasons on the Farm, About the Animals, More Fun on the Farm (math, science, language arts, arts, From Farm to Table), Movement and Music
