Barn at night

To anyone who imagines a barn is tranquil at night: Guess again. This sweet story describes in gentle detail, especially for those unfamiliar with farm life, what really goes on in a barn during seemingly peaceful nighttime hours. A young farm child narrates in calming, lilting tercets, informing readers about the important chores that must be accomplished, predawn, even in the coldest weather, to ensure that all the animals are fed and well and lovingly cared for. It's routine stuff that conscientious farmers must tend to every evening, but sometimes there are wonderful surprises: the birth of a new foal, for instance, who, upon arising on spindly, wobbly legs, helps the humans and fellow barn residents welcome a new day. City kids will pick up facts about what some barnyard animals eat and what a barn smells like. Adding to the cuteness factor, note that cats play a prominent role in a number of the soft, gentle, hazy color illustrations, set mostly inside the shadowy barn; sometimes, the felines seem to supervise the farm family's activities. The narrator and adult farmer are painted with ruddy skin and straight hair (when it can be seen). (This book was reviewed digitally.) Quiet and peaceful--an antidote to the daytime hustle and bustle of city life. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.