Funny Farm
by Mark Teague
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Edward, the Boston Terrier, main character of this book,  is definitely a “city dog”. His visit to his relatives in the country, proves to be more than a little entertaining. This book has a simple story that could stand on its own.  It’s the illustrations that will grab you and your child from the very first page. Spend lots of time discussing what you see. Each turn of the page offers something interesting to discuss. Edward is truly a fish out of water that finds himself in many hilarious predicaments during his visit at what truly becomes a Funny Farm.
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How To

Read the  book to your child two to three times (if not more) over the course of a week. It's okay to read the book multiple times a day... we actually encourage it! Try to keep the days as close to one another as possible to ensure the most successful outcome.

It’s not just about reading the selected book numerous times. You should try to follow-up each reading with one of the activities provided on this page and/or the additional resources files.

​It’s just that simple!
  • A Great Story
  • Multiple Readings
  • Follow-Up Activities​
In short, by becoming comfortable with a book and its concepts, your child becomes comfortable with reading and learning. There’s a confidence that comes with familiarity and that’s what we all want in the end… a confident learner.

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Checking for Understanding

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Ask these questions as you read or after each reading. Some of the questions are open-ended which can lead to valuable discussions. Take the time to listen and respect your child’s point of view.
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  1. Can you point to Uncle Earl, Aunt Josephine, and Cousin Judy? What type of animal is Edward.
  2. How do you think Edward feels about what he sees as he arrives? Do you think the farm looks like fun? 
  3. Do you think Edward has ever fed a pig? Why? What do you think the pigs are thinking?
  4. What do you think a hen house might look like? Why would Edward be running away from the henhouse?
  5. What type of plant do you think they are planting in the holes? What type of animal is that popping out of the hole?
  6. Would you rather be inside during the rain or outside?
  7. How do you think the sheep feel about Edward?  Why do you think there’s a hook on the end of their canes?
  8. What do you think about dinner on the farm? What do you notice about Edward’s plate? Why is he so hungry?
  9.  Do you think Edward had a hard time falling asleep at the end of the day? Why or Why not?

​Additional Resources

Membership

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Worried that you might miss a great title? Want all the great Read it Again extra resources delivered straight to your inbox each week? 
Consider  a 12 month membership!


Click HERE for a 12 month subscription (2 titles per month)  $82.00
a 15% discount over the regular price.

 
​Art 

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Make a Scarecrow
This Cardboard Scarecrow Craft from Toddler Approved is sure to be a hit. Before embarking on this art adventure, spend some time discussing the role of a scarecrow on a farm.
Have fun with your child as you design a scarecrow for the  farm!

Cooking Together

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Haystacks
You don't need a pitch fork to make these Peanut Butter Butterscotch Haystacks! These amazing cookies pile the flavors of peanut butter, butterscotch, and mini-marshmallows into a crunchy chow mein noodle "stack!"

​4 tablespoons - butter or margarine, divided
2 1/2 cups - mini-marshmallows
1 - (5 oz) can chow mein noodles (about 2 1/2 cups)
1 cup - butterscotch chips
3 tablespoons - milk
1/4 cup - Confectioners’ Sugar
1/4 cup - creamy peanut butter

Instructions:
Line baking sheet with waxed paper. Lightly grease paper; set aside.
In large saucepan over medium heat, combine 3 tablespoons butter and marshmallows. Stir with a wooden spoon until mixture is melted and smooth. Remove from heat. Add the noodles and toss with a fork until coated. Drops spoonfuls of the noodle mixture onto prepared baking sheet.
Place the butterscotch chips and remaining butter in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH (100%) for 1 minute or until melted. Remove from microwave and add remaining ingredients. Stir until smooth.(If sauce is too thick to drizzle add more milk, a teaspoon at a time.)

Drizzle butterscotch sauce over the haystacks. Place in the refrigerator to harden.
"Children are made readers on the laps of their parents." — Emilie Buchwald
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