The Farmer in the Dell

The farmer has tumbled down into the dell, and everyone from his wife and nurse to the cat and the rat come running to his rescue. Hand in hand, they make a human chain to pull the farmer out of the dell. Everyone makes the effort--except for that haughty slice of swiss cheese. Will the farmer ever get out of the dell? John O'Brien is at it again. As in The Twelve Days of Christmas, he has set his sights on a time-honored rhyme. John O'Brien brings his trademark humor to this illustrated version of the favorite sing-along--and the "Farmer in the Dell" will never be the same.

John O'Brien has illustrated more than thirty books for children, a number of them for Boyds Mills Press, including Poof!; Mother Hubbard's Christmas; and The Twelve Days of Christmas. He lives in Delran, New Jersey.

This illustrated version of the sing-along favorite shows the farmer tumble into the dell and the various characters who work together to rescue him.

This illustrated version of the sing-along favorite shows the farmer tumble into the dell and the various characters who work together to rescue him.

Children's Literature

Watercolor and ink, done with John O'Brien's classic fine line detail, turn this familiar nursery song into a joyous romp with a plot reminiscent of "The Great Big Enormous Turnip." The farmer here falls into the dell, and "dell" is defined by a sign by the road as "a secluded hollow or small glen usually covered by turf or trees." Although we might have hoped for simpler vocabulary, the inclusion of this explanation for the reader is very much appreciated. So he falls into the dell, and calls for his wife, who is not strong enough to lift him out by herself. She calls for the nurse, who in turn calls for the child. The dog, cat, and rat follow. But the cheese stands alone, uncooperative. It finally gives in, "OH! All right." And the farmer is saved... until the end, when he slips back into the dell! The wonderful humor in the story that O'Brien has given us will make this a great addition to classes for youngest listeners, and a storytime winner! 2000, Boyds Mills Press, Ages 2 to 7, $14.95. Reviewer: Candace Deisley

John O'Brien has illustrated more than ninety books. His cartoons appear in The New Yorker and other publications. He is the only banjo- and concertina-playing children's book illustrator who is also senior lieutenant in the North Wildwood, New Jersey, Beach Patrol. He lives in Delran, New Jersey.