Why Did the Farmer Cross the Road?

Farmer would just like to sleep in but his early morning slumbers are disturbed by his faithful companion, Donkey. And Donkey isn't there to bid Farmer a good morning. As it turns out, the prospect of fun and food has lured the farm's livestock to a local fair. Now it's up to Farmer and Donkey to go round up the wayward critters before they can get into too much trouble. Or is it too late? Young readers will laugh out loud at the antics of the farmer's chickens, goats, pigs, and one anxious cow in this quirky take on the traditional knock-knock joke.

Format List Price Your Price Qty
$16.99 $16.99
$28.99 $28.99
Interest Level Kindergarten - Grade 2
Reading Level Grade 1
Dewey E
Lexile AD500L500L
ATOS Reading Level
Guided Reading Level M
Language English
Publisher Sleeping Bear Press
Available Formats Hardcover (9781585369638), PDF (9781634723985), Hosted ebook (9781634724289)
Copyright 2017
Number of Pages 32
Dimensions 10 x 10
Graphics Full-color illustrations

School Library Journal - Why Did the Farmer Cross the Road?

PreS-Gr 2–James puts a new spin on the timeless joke in her first picture book. In this quirky tale, Donkey awakens the farmer, alerting him that the pigs have left the farm. The farmer states, “That’s not possible” and goes back to sleep. Meanwhile, the pigs are walking through town, looking for a snack. Now the cows and sheep are following. Also, the chickens. Finally, the farmer starts listening to Donkey, and they go in search of the farm animals, who are all on their way to the country fair. Outlined in black, the illustrations are bright, cheerful, and cartoonish. The text is simple, and the dialogue between the farmer and the donkey is color-coded to keep the speakers straight. The animals’ conversations appear in word bubbles. The expressions on their faces are amusing, and readers will laugh at the antics that ensue. VERDICT This new slant on a timeless joke will fit into any barnyard-related storytime. A fun addition.

Why Did the Farmer Cross the Road? - Coloring Page

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Why Did the Farmer Cross the Road - Activity Pages

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Author: Brooke Herter James

Brooke Herter James won her first creative writing award in eighth grade. Then she did a bunch of other things like college, public health nursing, and raising a family. Now she’s writing again. She lives in a very old house in Vermont with her husband and two donkeys, Sarah Ruth and Esther. She wishes her kids still lived there, but they stopped being kids and moved out. She is an active member of SCBWI, a student of the Gotham Writers Workshop, and a graduate of the Yale Writers’ Conference. This is her first book.

Illustrator: Mike Herrod

Mike Herrod has written and illustrated several books for children, including Doggie Dreams and Hiccup! He lives with his wife, two sons, and cat in Queens, New York. You can find more of his work at MikeHerrod.com.

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Full-color illustrations