The Little Red Barn
Kim Crumrine
Gecko Press

It could be thought of as a misnomer to call the sleeping place of all the farm animals ‘The Little Red Barn’ for it actually accommodates a total of fifty five creatures. First comes a mouse, then two cats, three dogs, four hens, five pigs and so on … In they all go each one showing its rear to the one following until when the final ten cows have disappeared through the door, it’s closed ready for sleep time.
When the last spread is reached, it becomes clear how a barn that seems so small has space for every animal.

This board book is a simple ‘good night’ story, a counting book and with its revealing finale, a joke to giggle over. There are additional fun details such as the teddy bear balanced atop the head of one of the eight alpacas and the night-cap sported by one of the cows. How was the barn door closed once all the animals had gone in, one wonders.

Likely to become a favourite pre-bedtime share, but equally it would work well when shared with a group of nursery children.

Herdy’s Fun Day
Goodnight Herdy
Happy Yak

Herdy is a little very lively sheep with lots of friends.
In the first book we join him one sunny day as he sets off to find some of his friends to have some fun with. It’s up to little humans to help him find where they are by looking behind the felt flaps. First he looks for dog, who invites his pal to join him and bounce. Next, clutching an acorn, he seeks Squirrel and receives an invitation to eat with his bushy-tailed friend. Down in the water Herdy wonders where his otter friends are and once they appear, Herdy is invited to swim with them. Good to see he has his inflated ring and flippers. At the bottom of the hill, hides Deer just waiting for Herdy to join in a dance routine. But then at the seaside it’s Herdy that disappears: where is he? Now that would be telling … It’s certainly a great way to end his adventurous day.

Goodnight Herdy are not the words the little sheep is ready to hear: he still wants to play with his friends. However, Duck, Rabbit, Worm and Dog all ignore his “Let’s play!” invitation as they’re all ready for bed. Will Herdy ever be sufficiently tired to nod off? Little ones can discover the answer by lifting the flap on the final spread.
I’m sure Herdy will win lots of little human friends once a grown-up has shared these two board books with them.