Tammi Sauer

Chickens Marge and Lola are excited to go on tour with Elvis Poultry, but when it is time for their first performance, their nerves may prevent them from dancing on stage.

"It's showtimes on Old MacDonald's farm! The barnyard residents are putting on a play--a farm version of 'The House That Jack Built'--but other animals keep taking the stages and interrupting the production. First, some rambunctious monkeys, then breakdancing kangaroos...there's even a pair of singing elephants! Everyone knows that monkeys, kangaroos, and elephants do NOT belong on a farm...so, what to do?"--inside jacket.

Chipmunks Cutesy, Blinky, and Bob want the same kind of attention people pay to other animals who live in the zoo, but when one of their plans succeeds, they see that being noticed is not always a good thing.

"Lovebird Lou adores life with his family and friends on the island they call home. But when he travels to the other side of the island and sees the amazing abilities on display by different birds, Lou feels unfulfilled with the laidback lovebird lifestyle. With his adoring parents cheering him on, Lou decides to spread his wings and see what else he can accomplish." --publisher's website

Determined to win tickets to an Elvis Poultry concert, hens Marge and Lola enter the Barnyard Talent Show, then, while the ducks who usually win the contest jeer, they test out their abilities.

Receiving a lion instead of the kitten he ordered, a young boy attempts to follow tongue-in-cheek instructions about how to care for his supersized pet, from providing plenty of play space to remembering not to look like a gazelle.

"Congratulations! By checking out and using this backpack from Capital Area District Libraries, you are helping your child develop important literacy skills. Although these skills are important, they can also be fun to learn. In fact, every time you use one of these five simple practices with your child, you are helping him or her develop into a lifelong learner: reading, writing, talking, singing and playing." --activities sheet