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[Following is a volunteer review of "Farmer Beau's Farm" by Kathleen Geiger.]

Farmer Beau's Farm is a children's book written by Kathleen Geiger and illustrated by Adam Musk. The idea for this story came to the retired Third grade teacher one day when she and her husband Frank were sitting on their patio. Like Farmer Beau in the beginning of this story, Frank and Kathleen Geiger see six kittens pouncing out of the garage on their farm. From there this fun little story comes to life.

Farmer Beau and his wife Bamma delight in the discovery of these six playful kittens. Over time, all but one move on to other ventures. The kitten that stays is given a name and a safe place to sleep. One day, Kailey Kitten notices a ball of fur with a funny tail nearby. In no time at all, Kailey Kitten and Sammy Bunny are the best of friends.

Kailey and Sammy soon learn that an unusual animal will soon be joining them on Farmer Beau's farm. This concerns them greatly as they have no idea what to expect or how their lives may change. How will the kitten and bunny react when they finally get to meet this new animal? Will they be able to adapt and welcome this animal as a new friend? What about Farmer Beau and Bamma? Will they still show Kailey and Sammy the same love and affection for which these two have grown accustomed?

This playful story can not only simply entertain young children, but also help teach valuable life lessons. For example, after hearing the excitement in the voices of Farmer Beau and Bamma during their discussion about this new addition, Sammy and Kailey become concerned that the unknown animal may steal away much of the couple's attention. Perhaps sharing this book with a child who is about to become an older sibling can work to open the lines of communication about the possible changes a new baby can bring, as well as discussions of what things will remain stable.

This book also touches on the idea of embracing our differences and not mocking what is unfamiliar. This ideal is timeless and not bound by age or circumstance. It is a message for us all, thereby widening the target audience to include older children as well as parents and caregivers.

I give this book 3 out of 4 stars. I think the verse is a bit too long for some of those with a shorter attention span, but the vocabulary used is appropriate for all audiences. The colorful illustrations help deliver the book's message in a fun and playful way. I recommend Farmer Beau's Farm to both children and adults. I suggest reading in a classroom or family story time setting, as this can prompt discussion of the ideas and themes presented in the book.

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Farmer Beau's Farm
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Like Christina Rose's review? Post a comment saying so!

Nice review. I have yet to review a children's book, but I should. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.

kandscreeley wrote:Nice review. I have yet to review a children's book, but I should. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.

Thank you! You should definitely review one if you get the chance. It's a nice, lighter, change of pace.

Great review. I love children's books with colourful illustrations , a great story and still some room for a great moral. I may pick this one up for my son. Thank you for sharing.

Excitedreads wrote:Great review. I love children's books with colourful illustrations , a great story and still some room for a great moral. I may pick this one up for my son. Thank you for sharing.

If you do decide to get a copy, I hope you and your son enjoy it. Thank you for your thoughts!

MsTri wrote:I read this, too, and found it quite delightful. It's always great when a children's story can teach a lesson without sounding preachy. As an older sibling, I wish I'd had something like this to read, as it may've helped me transition to my new role a little easier. And 4 thumbs up for YOU for the line, "This book also touches on the idea of embracing our differences and not mocking what is unfamiliar". Exactly.

Thanks so much for your kind words. I may order a physical copy of this book for my kids. Even though they may no longer need the "older sibling" lesson, the rest of it should come in handy. I definitely try to teach my kids to embrace diversity, while also being proud of who they are. ?

Great review! This sounds like a really cute story. I think I'm going to have to get it if I have a second child. It sounds like a perfect way to open up a discussion about it.

Mallory Whitaker wrote:Great review! This sounds like a really cute story. I think I'm going to have to get it if I have a second child. It sounds like a perfect way to open up a discussion about it.

It really is! Plus, you can disguise it as simply story time, rather than a lesson. ? Thank you for stopping by!

I wish I had this book when I was aged five and awaiting the arrival of my baby sister. I like the life lesson it offers. Thank you for the review.

Kelebogile Mbangi wrote:I wish I had this book when I was aged five and awaiting the arrival of my baby sister. I like the life lesson it offers. Thank you for the review.

Yes! This book would have been very handy, especially at 5 years when you are also newly adjusting to school and any other possible changes. It's a lot for a child, and sometimes adults don't realize this. Thank you for your thoughts!

Hey, Christina,
I also think of doing a children's book, great ones are so simple and yet the lessons so profound. That teaches a great deal about life in general.
Great review, simple and yet informative/wise. Thank you!

geoffrey ngoima wrote:Hey, Christina,
I also think of doing a children's book, great ones are so simple and yet the lessons so profound. That teaches a great deal about life in general.
Great review, simple and yet informative/wise. Thank you!

Thank you! You should read and review a children's book if you have the chance ? You're right, they do teach a great deal about life. Thanks for stopping by!

Christina Rose wrote:

geoffrey ngoima wrote:Hey, Christina,
I also think of doing a children's book, great ones are so simple and yet the lessons so profound. That teaches a great deal about life in general.
Great review, simple and yet informative/wise. Thank you!

Thank you! You should read and review a children's book if you have the chance ? You're right, they do teach a great deal about life. Thanks for stopping by!

You're welcome

A very nice one for children .
Great review??