From School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2-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 Scottα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review
★ "The Steads have created an environment as whimsical and kind as the one that nurtured Amos McGee. . . . 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. . . . This meets all the expectations one has of this duo."—School Library Journal, Starred Review
★ "Beautifully illustrated. . . . An endearing new folktale from the Caldecott-winning duo."—Booklist, Starred Review
★ "Waste no time in adding this gem to the storytime shelf."—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
"The gentle text . . . leaves space for child listeners to ponder their own dreamscapes. The illustrations . . . contribute moments of subtle humor. . . ."—The Horn Book
"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
About the Author
Erin and Philip C. Stead are an award-winning picture book team. Their book A Sick Day for Amos McGee (400,000 plus copies sold to date) won the Caldecott Medal and was named a New York Times Best Illustrated Book and a Publisher's Weekly Best Children's Book. Other popular books include Music for Mister Moon, Bear Has a Story to Tell, an E. B White Award Honor Book. Most recently they collaborated with Mark Twain on The Purloining of Prince Oleomargarine, a major New York Times Bestseller and the recipient of much major media attention including profiles on CBS Sunday Morning and The New Yorker. They live in Michigan.
