Farm (Make Tracks) by Johnny Dyrander. Nosy Crow, c2021, 2024. 9798887770369
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 3
Format: Board book
What did you like about the book? In this interactive board book, children will be able to read about and “drive” five different farm vehicles. This is achieved through double thickness board pages with die-cut routes. Within each route is a small disc with a likeness of the vehicle in miniature. Small fingers can push the disc through its route, and answer questions such as “How many sheep can you count?” or “Where does the driver sit?” Each vehicle can be examined up close via a simple, large digital drawing with extensive labels. Tiny people (of various ages and skin tones) and animals dot the farm, giving opportunities for look-and-find and counting activities. The book feels very sturdy and seems like it would hold up well.
Anything you didn’t like about it? All the vehicles are reasonably benign except for the cattle truck, which “carries animals from place to place.” We are asked “Can you drive this cattle truck to the market?” Some caregivers may balk at explaining the ultimate fate of these cows.
To whom would you recommend this book? This activity book would keep a toddler busy in a doctor’s office or during independent play.
Who should buy this book? Preschools, public libraries, doctor’s offices.
Where would you shelve it? Board books
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? No
Reviewer: Susan Harari, Keefe Library, Boston Latin School, Boston, MA
Date of review: June 3, 2024
Youth Services Book Review 
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