choose to live in neighborhoods,
where lots of other folks are doing
lots of different things.
Look! It's Buck the Mail Carrier.
And there's Dottie, who loves
walking dogs! Do you see Mr.
Rhinehorn unpacking his new
hammock?
Our town is filled with many shapes, colors and patterns. Do you see some?"
If you have been looking for something to entertain little ones on these long days of quarantine, you want to look for this book. If you have fond memories of spending hours pouring over the detail-filled pages of Richard Scarry's Busytown series as a kid, this will be a lovely reminder of happy times in your younger life. Whichever is your reality (or perhaps both are), you can't go wrong when introducing your little ones to Ethan Long's Happy County!
It is the first in a new series. It's my understanding that Sun and Moon Together (Book 2) will be in bookstores in August, and that books 3 and 4 are being readied for publication. I will look forward to each one, and the joy my grandgirls find in poring over each page during their summer visit.
An introduction to the main characters is the first item of business, giving readers individuals to follow as they explore every new scene. The welcome banner invites kids in, and begins a journey of exploration that will delight them all. The table of contents lists the neighborhood people and places we will meet in this first visit, and will help when wanting to return to a favorite haunt.
There is so much to see on every new spread. It is a colorful, and happy place to be. Full of expression, activity, and many humorous bits, eyes will be in constant motion to ensure that every part of the community is seen and appreciated. New community members are introduced as our exploration continues. Children will be busy, with someone or on their own, as they examine the pages that encourage discussion, storytelling, observation, and just plain fun. Ethan Long labels many of his images, allowing for a growing vocabulary and sight words for those ready to remember them.
Everyone loves to look at artwork that requires close attention to the details and to new content they may not have seen. How much fun is it to take note of little bits of action, while also observing this diverse world reflected accurately, and with heart and humor. Energetic and filled with stories, I will happily anticipate each new addition to the series.
Get ready to 'read it again!' and then again, and again, and again. Wonderful!
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