We're Going on a Picnic

From the author of "Rosie's Walk" comes another delightful story of farmyard animals. Since "We're Going on A Picnic" has been so ably described before me, I will only add that my son (3) really likes this book. He asks for it to be read over and over. We particularly like the artwork and humor, and I particularly like the repetitive elements that allow my son to participate in "reading" the story. Five stars.

Duck, Hen, and Goose are going on a picnic. "It's such a lovely day!" They fill their basket with their three favorite foods...berries for Hen, apples for Goose, and pears for Duck, and off they go. "Were going on a picnic!" they sang as they walked across the field." Now to find the perfect spot. This task seems to be harder than you'd think. None of the three can agree on the perfect place, and pretty soon three other forest friends, a mouse, a squirrel, and a rabbit are quietly following along. Each time our trio of friends sets the basket down, thinking they've found the perfect picnic spot, Mouse, Squirrel, or Rabbit jumps in, and eats some of their food. Finally, Hen, Duck, and Goose arrive back at their home. They haven't found a picnic spot, and for some "unknown" reason, their basket is very empty. Everything must have fallen out. What to do? Let's fill up the basket and "Off we go again..." Pat Hutchins has written a charming and amusing little treasure your kids will want to read again and again. Her spare, cheerful text is simple and repetitive, and begs to be read aloud. But it's her bright, colorful, and expressive illustrations that really steal the show. Youngsters will get a big kick out of watching the story unfold and being in on the secret, while their barnyard friends go on their merry way without a clue. Perfect for preschoolers, We're Going On A Picnic is a delight, and a wonderful addition to all home bookshelves.