Messner, Kate. Fergus and Zeke and the Great Farm Field Trip. Heather Ross, Illus. Fergus and Zeke; bk. 6. Candlewick, 05/2024. 56pp. Reader. Trade $14.99. 978-1-5362-2761-1. GRADES Kindergarten–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
In Messner’s newest addition to the Fergus and Zeke series for young readers, two classroom mice sneak along on a field trip to a local farm where the class learns about where food comes from. Fergus and Zeke do their best to learn what the children are learning, but they get caught up in some hijinks along the way. There are incidents with honey, cows, chickens, and a rope swing that will have many young readers laughing out loud. The clear text in a large font is accompanied by full-color illustrations on most pages that help illustrate the action of the story, and students are drawn with varying skin tones and hairstyles. This addition to the series is a nice transition between leveled readers and longer chapter books.
Rachael Reiley—Hillcrest Elementary K–8 / Oakland Unified School District