The Sun Is Late and So Is The Farmer

A mule, a milk cow, and a miniature horse are waiting patiently by the door of the barn for the sun to rise. After a little while, they come to realize that the sun is late, and if the sun is late, the farmer won’t wake up, and if the farmer doesn’t wake up, she won’t feed the animals their breakfast. The animals decide to ask the barn owl for his advice. The barn owl tells the three that they must take a long journey past the field of sheep, through the acre of corn and all the way to the edge of the world. There they will find the sun sleeping, and if they take the rooster along, he will know what to do.

Phillip C. Stead has written a quiet story that is sweet and humorous with some adventure thrown in. The writing is lovely, and the story is surprisingly compelling. Children will be enchanted by the journey these creatures take and what they face along the way. The charming illustrations by Erin E. Stead are filled with wonderful details and are done in soft, quiet colors that perfectly complement the story.