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Sunday, March 24, 2019

Lambslide, written by Ann Patchett and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. Harper. 2019. $23.99 ages 4 and up

"They were impressed that the lambs had thought things through so carefully.

The Farmers decided that the whole farm should vote on whether or not there should be a lambslide.

When all the votes were counted, the lambslide won by a landslide.

All thoughts have turned to spring! Water is running down the streets, the snow is melting quickly, the sun is shining brightly. We can even see patches of soil on nearby fields. What better time to take a look at books that make us 'think spring'?

The kids who pick this book for a quiet read are likely to do it because of their love for animals.  Just look at those wee, active lambs on the front cover. What are they doing? It takes some time, and a lot of cajoling to get them the 'lambslide' they so badly want to have.

They are three lambs, mostly concerned about themselves and their own happiness. A misunderstanding while listening to a conversation between Nicolette Farmer and her parents inspires an original thought.

"One day Nicolette Farmer announced to her Farmer family,
"I'm going to run for class president today!"
Mrs. Farmer said, "You'll win by a landslide!"
This meant her mother thought she'd win by a lot.

But the lambs thought she said, "You'll win by a lambslide!"
This was exciting news."

It is also the beginning of a concerted effort to get that lambslide built on the farm. They have personal complaints about the flat land that allows pigs to play in the mud, the horses to go for long rides, and there being nothing special for them to do. Their mother suggests checking with the other animals on the farm about the viability for their very original idea. The chickens wonder who will pay. The lambs certainly don't have money. The goats want to know if they will be welcome. The pigs want to be sure it will not interfere with their muddy spots. The lambs return to their mother for her next suggestion. With some help, they make their point.

Everyone counts in the decision that is made concerning the lambslide. Ms. Preiss Glasser assures there is plenty to see in her watercolor and ink images that depict life on this particular farm.  Humorous and filled with personality, children will learn a little about cooperation and the chance for everyone to have a say in decisions made.

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