Very fun read aloud, even better when the kids act it out afterward. ( )

: “I’m the Boss” is the statement on Farmer Joe’s work cap. He works hard on his farm and at the end of the day he’s tired and ready for bed. The animals are sleepy too, but they are NOT getting ready for bed. They have a show to get ready for. With cow on drums, chicken on keyboard, pig on lead and goat on bass guitars, and sheep is the lead singer, it’s about time to rock the barnyard. But wait! The farmer’s light is on in the house. All the animals freeze. The microphone screeches. Will they get caught? Not tonight; the light goes out and other animals are lining up buying tickets and eager for the show to start. Finally, sheep asks the crowd, “WHO’S READY TO ROCK?! 1-2. 1-2-3-4!” The barnyard rocks to the sound of Old MacDonald like you’ve never heard it before.

Anything by Krosoczka is preschool gold! You've never heard "Old MacDonald" quite like this! The illustrations are great. The animals each have their own unique personality. The sequel's equally hilarious... "Punk Farm on Tour"! ( )

Punk Farm answers the age-old question of what farm animals do when the farmer's away. No, Snowball and Napoleon don't stage a revolution in this story - the pig in Punk Farm has better things to do: amping up his electric guitar and wailing out a punk rock rendition of "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" along with sheep on vocals, chicken on keyboard, goat on bass, and cow on drums.

My daughter thought it was good fun. This isn't the sort of book you can read in a meek voice, and my throat was a little sore after each reading (I'm so not punk). The writing isn't particularly inspired - it's the reader's "performance" and illustrations that carry this one. (Ages 1½-4) ( )

practice your sound effects before doing this read-aloud. The kids really liked this one!! ( )