Life on a Goat Farm

Children's Literature

Did you know there are six kinds of dairy goats in the United States? You can learn what they are and see a picture of each at the beginning of this book. From there, you will discover the work and the joys of living on a farm. Breeding is important on a dairy goat farm in order to have milk to sell. Information about breeding is accompanied by a picture of a kid being born and the care given to newborn goats. There is a discussion of dehorning and a photo showing the tool and how it is done. The milking process is presented, along with the care and feeding of the goats. About half of each page is text and half is comprised of clear color photographs that give further insight into life on the farm and the personalities of the goats as well as the humans who live there. With its informative and entertaining photographs and written in the voice of Jimmy Search, a real boy who lives on a dairy goat farm, this has great appeal. The book is part of the "Life on a Farm" series in which a child on the farm speaks directly to the reader. Three children's books comprise the annotated bibliography, and four web sites are listed. The annotations help the reader know what they can find at these sites. Fun Facts about Goats, a glossary and an index are included. 2001, Carolrhoda Books, $23.93. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo

School Library Journal

Gr 1-4-An accurate and interesting view of modern rural life. Written in the voice of a young goat farmer, the narrative begins with descriptions and characteristics of six dairy goat breeds in the U.S. The following pages explain breeding; birthing; and care of the kids, including vaccinations, vitamins, dehorning, weaning, and feeding. Other chapters cover milking, and the responsibilities of the farm family-hard work 365 days a year. In closing, Jimmy talks about the activities that he and his brothers enjoy. As for his future, he "might be a goat farmer-or a math teacher or maybe even a veterinarian." Clear, full-color photographs of the Search family and their animals fill the pages. Short captions provide additional information and explanation. While the book might satisfy some report needs, children will enjoy it on its own.-Carolyn Janssen, Children's Learning Center of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, OH Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.