Synopsis
Discusses the activities of a dairy farm, describing the machines used and the process used to get the milk to our table.
Trina Heidt - Children's Literature
Kids love field trips but they are not always possible or practical. This book offers a colorfully illustrated alternative, beginning with a list of "things to find out" that helps to focus readers before the fictional field trip begins. This tour of the Red Oak Dairy Farm begins with an introduction to the Holstein cows themselves. From here the reader is shown the important places found on the farm including the meadow where the cows graze, the field where some of their food is grown, the calf barn where new calves are cared for and the milking barn where the machine-assisted milking takes place. In the milking barn, each part of the milking process is explained simply. Written for the pre-K to first grade audience, this is a very simple introduction to what a student might expect to experience on an actual field trip. The only negative aspect to this otherwise well-written book is the addition of information in italic type on every two-page spread. The information, while relevant, could have just as easily been incorporated into the main body of text and therefore been less distracting to young readers. Adding to the overall usefulness of this book is a related activity (making "udderly" easy ice cream), a Learn More list, including books and Web sites, Fun Facts, an index and a Words to Know list. This is part of the "Out and About" series. 2003, Picture Window Books,