BROWN COW, GREEN GRASS, YELLOW MELLOW SUN

Yellow mellow sunlight makes the green grass grow tall. A big brown cow eats the grass and gives white, white milk. The milk goes into Granny's churn and the story comes full circle with yellow mellow butter. This simple lesson from Jackson (Cinder Edna, Lothrop, 1994, etc.) features bold three-dimensional farm scenes by first-time illustrator Raymond; originally sculpted out of a modeling compound, the highly textured pictures were then photographed. Adding to the appeal is the rhythmic text that fairly dances across the pages in a variety of fanciful typefaces. Parents and preschool teachers alike might want to try the recipe for pancakes and directions for homemade butter in the back of the book. It's all quite bright and joyfully brief. (Picture book. 2-6)