The Sun Is Late and So Is the Farmer
by Philip C Stead (Author) Erin E Stead (Illustrator)
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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. VERDICT This meets all the expectations one has of this duo. Recommended for libraries looking for titles with sophisticated, age-appropriate art and language.—John Scott
Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Publishers Weekly
"There is a silence inside of everything." The almost prayerful early lines of this reverent episodic narrative by the married collaborators (The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine) confer unexpected dignity on its protagonists: a mule, a milk cow, and a miniature horse, all worrying together under a starry night sky. Noting that "the sun is late... And so is the farmer," they reason that the farmer is unlikely to appear with breakfast if the sun doesn't rise. Erin Stead conveys their anxious expressions with unfailing sweetness against inky blue backgrounds. When they approach the farm's barn owl, it sends them on a quest "beyond the field full of sheep... all the way to the edge of the world.... Bring Rooster along--Rooster will know what to do." The three animals strike out: "We will have to be braver than we ever thought possible," writes Philip Stead. As the sky lightens, though, readers realize that the journey may not be as challenging--or necessary--as the animals had feared, building to a happy if precipitous ending. It's a gently comic telling that appreciates creatures' gentle ways and offers a quiet reminder about perceptions' ability to mislead. Ages 4-8. Agent (for author and illustrator): Emily van Beek, Folio Literary. (Nov.)
Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
The lulling cadence and gentle, folkloric tone make this an easy pick for bedtime, and Erin Stead's familiar art style underscores that feel with soft dapples, slim linework, and muted tones.—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books A gently comic telling that appreciates creatures' gentle ways and offers a quiet reminder about perceptions' ability to mislead.—Publishers Weekly Kid lit has picked up another memorable animal trio with The Sun Is Late and So Is the Farmer . . . . Readers of this disarming and dear picture book will relish being miles ahead of the trio at its center: barnyard animals who are convinced that the sun is worrisomely overdue for its entrance.—Shelf Awareness
JUV002090 - Juvenile Fiction | Animals | Farm Animals
JUV012030 - Juvenile Fiction | Fairy Tales & Folklore | General
