Escape from Silver Street Farm

Gr 2–4—Davies weaves a richly imaginative and well-written story for emerging readers about three animal-loving friends with a couple of sticky situations on their hands. Gemma, Meera, and Karl are busily preparing for the grand opening of Silver Street Farm, an animal sanctuary built in the remains of an old train station. But preparations grind to a halt when the sheep escape and a frantic search ensues. As if wayward sheep weren't enough, turkey shenanigans (in the form of possible turkey thieves and a flyaway bouncy castle) add further chaos to the mix. In the end, all of the animals are returned safely to the farm, and everyone celebrates with a lovely grand-opening party. A clever story with a unique setting, this book is an ideal selection for children who are starting to tackle chapter books independently. The writing is spirited and lovely: "In the rich morning light… the turkeys shone like copper, their red wattles as bright as holly berries…. Even the browns and grays and reds of the goats and chickens looked like silk embroidery." Charming black-and-white illustrations at the head of each chapter add to the inviting feel of the book. The image of the sheep entering the sliding doors of the grocery store is especially entertaining.—Amy Holland, Irondequoit Public Library, NY