This is an anthology of the syndicated columns of Pond, a former extension agent. They are amusing, in the same vein as All Creatures Great and Small; obstreperous animals, eccentric farmers, and other strange rural happenings. Not a book for uproarious laughter, but gently amusing. Four stars. ( )

The title pretty well says it all about this book. It's a collection of columns from ag writer and humorist Roger Pond, and may be incomprehensible to City Slickers, but will be enjoyed by anyone with a 4-H club in the background.

Pond takes on picking animals for the 4-H project (don't pick the cute one), nostalgia that deals with stubborn tractors and little brothers, and the whole Mayberry RFD myth that has just enough reality in it to be truly humorous.

You won't find knee-slappers here, but the collection may produce a giggle or two. And -- bonus in this pre-election season of brouhaha and universal angst -- there's not a political story in the bunch. That makes it worth a read in my estimation. ( )