Life on a Crop Farm

Children's Literature

This book does an excellent job of informing the reader about life on a farm. Crisp, clear and happy color photographs accompany every page, making the text come to life. A young girl truthfully and insightfully narrates the story, revealing a life of hard work, discipline and responsibility. The reader not only learns about the processes of germination, photosynthesis and irrigation, but also the techniques of picking raspberries, weighing and pricing produce, and feeding livestock. Words in bold indicate glossary terms, yet the rich content of the story leaves little to be misunderstood. Fun facts as well as alternative resources are listed at the story's end. The book is a terrific complement to any farm unit as well as an interesting addition to a nonfiction library. It will inspire the early research writer and intrigue the curious city slicker. This is part of the "Life on a Farm" series. 2002, Carolrhoda Books, $23.93. Ages 4 to 9. Reviewer:Andrea Sears Andrews