The Sun Is Late and So Is the Farmer

PreS-Gr 2–The Steads have created an environment as whimsical and kind as the one that nurtured Amos McGee. This one takes readers to a quiet farm where three animals, “a mule, a milk cow, a miniature horse,” are looking expectantly at the darkened early morning sky, waiting for the sun to rise. When it fails to come up, the animals take action, for the farmer has also failed to rise and breakfast will therefore be late. A journey ensues, wise animals are consulted, giants are faced, and eventually the trio arrive at the edge of the world, where the sun makes its belated appearance, as does the farmer who leads the animals back to the barn, where breakfast is waiting. A gentle array of soft colors and sweet animal faces quickly engages readers. Onomatopoeia, descriptive phrases, and repetition make this a very endearing reading experience for all. If the animals from the farm ever get a chance to meet the animals from Amos McGee’s zoo, they would find boon companions and fast friends.