Fair!

From School Library Journal Kindergarten-Grade 4. This superbly illustrated visit to a county fair resembles a photo-essay in its remarkable realism. Lewin begins with the empty fairgrounds waiting for the cheering crowds and the carnival to arrive. He poetically describes the construction of midway rides as "giant metal insects emerging from cocoons" and then goes on to detail the proud 4-H'ers as they prepare their animals for competition. Readers learn that shoe polish is sometimes used to blacken the hooves and noses of sheep and that white pigs are dusted with baby powder. Glorious watercolor illustrations of fireworks, carnival rides, and parades shine with excitement. Other pictures delineate interesting facts. For instance, canvas hoods are put on recently shorn sheep so they will stay clean until judging. The delighted faces of participants show the pride of hard work. The author presents an American tradition as an adventure all children should be eager to experience. This distinguished book will appeal to a wide variety of ages and fill a need for curricular material on the subject.?Jackie Hechtkopf, Talent House School, Fairfax, VACopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. From