Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, everyone!
The leaves are already turning color and the evening air has that autumn nip in it. What a perfect time for today’s picture book review!
Tomorrow, the author of this book, Christy Mihaly, will be stopping by to chat and she has graciously agreed to offer a picture book manuscript critique as a giveaway. Please leave a comment to be entered and come back tomorrow for the Q&A and, if you leave a comment there, you will have two chances to win.
HEY, HEY, HAY! A Tale of Bales and the Machines That Make Them
Written by Christy Mihaly
Illustrated by Joe Cepeda
Published by Holiday House (August 2018)
Ages: 4-8
Themes: Farm machinery, farm life, girl power
Synopsis: From Amazon:
“A joyful rhyming story about a girl and her mother and the machines they use on their family farm to make hay.
Mower blades slice through the grass./A new row falls with every pass./Next we spread the grass to dry./The tedder makes those grasses fly!
A girl tells the tale of making hay as Mom uses a mower for mowing grass, then a tedder for aerating the grass, and eventually a baler. Told in rhyme and illustrated with fabulous art by JOE CEPEDA, each part of the process is a celebration of summer, farming, and the mother-daughter relationship. Back matter includes a glossary.”
Why I like this book:
- Growing up in the city, I didn’t know much about farm life…I think it is important for kids who grow up in the city to find out how life is on the farm. Plus, kids who grow up on a farm these days need to see themselves in a book other than Old Macdonald.
- Great palette used by the illustrator with bold drawings.
- LOVE the rhyme…and kids will love it, too.
RELATED ACTIVITIES
Photo courtesy: https://iheartcraftythings.com
Who can resist baby farm animals? These crafts are so simple. For detailed instructions: https://iheartcraftythings.com/15-baby-animal-days-farm-crafts-for-kids.html
Please don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a Picture Book Manuscript Critique by author Christy Mihaly. Then, come back tomorrow when she stops by to chat on Picture Books Help Kids Soar. And remember our authors need our help. Spread the word about the books you love and make sure you leave reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, and other review sites.
I hope you all have a beautiful weekend. I am waving from Chicago today!
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
Hay is a great subject because it relates to children well. Children love the farm, not only animals, but hay! Yes, they love hay. They love hay rides. They love jumping in hay. They love sitting on a hay bale. This story is unique because I haven’t seen anything like it. Have you?
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I know! I researched and couldn’t find other books for kids about making hay — hard to believe, right? I’m enjoying sharing my love of hay with kids. Thanks for your comment!
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Kuddos to you, Christy, for writing a rhyming PB that introduces kids to life on a farm & the seasons & tasks involved in growing hay.
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Thanks for your comment, Patricia — this story just wanted to rhyme!
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Christy,
I worked as an on-farm educator at a working farm. Children who have little experience with farms are fascinated to learn about the workings of a farm. Climbing up in the hayloft was one of their favorite moments on the farm. Congratulations!
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Yes! I just did a big book event at a working/educational farm. We brought in a big round bale for the kids to climb on and they got to see, smell, and feel first cut and second cut hay and haylage too. We sang hay songs and read the book, and the finale was a visit to the hay mow. Such fun! Thanks for your comment!
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Congratulations on your new release! I love to visit my brother’s farm when they are bailing hay. It is so much fun to watch — and sneeze. Perfect timing. Baling it just getting under way. Love that cover. Fun story for kids to learn about farm life.
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Thanks so much, Patricia. I love hearing all the hay stories out there. And yes, it’s hay season right now!
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I’d love to try and win this for my class! Love the craft ideas!
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Thank you Lisette, and good luck with the drawing!
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I don’t know where you live but our leaves are falling too…… except it’s from extreme HEAT not the sweet touch of fall . Can’t wait to hear this next interview. Thanks 🙂
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