This is my first Farmer Falgu book. My daughter liked that the text was different sizes and colors since she's learning to read. I liked the repetition, the cheeky parrot, and the problem solving. I will definitely seek out the rest of the series.

Side note: A few Hindi(?) phrases in the text, "Hai dahiya" and "Oiee maa," are not translated, though also not crucial to the story. I googled the phrases, but couldn't find translations that made sense. ( )

I think this will be fun for toddler storytime -- lots of good noises to make together, and movements as well. ( )

A farmer decides the animals on his farm are just too noisy and he needs to get away for a little bit to enjoy some silence. However, his trip doesn't necessarily go as planned as he keeps picking up hitch-hikers who add new noises to his day.

This was a really fun story that will make a great read-aloud for libraries, classrooms, or parent-child settings. Animal noises and other onomatopoeia always hold children's attention and even draw in their interactions, which is made easier here by the sound words being in different colors and sizes than the main text. Repetition is also a fan favorite for young children, and this book has just the right amount of that.

I also love that when the farmer has the time to sit and contemplate, he becomes more aware of his surroundings, including the subtle background sounds often taken for granted. And, this contemplation gives him time to realize the value in his everyday life. This can be a jumping off point for talking to young children about mindfulness.

The illustrations are brightly colorful and done in a style that really catches the eye, with heavy black outlines against a cream-colored background. Although not explicitly stated, this book is set in India, making it a good title to help diverse one's bookshelves and be representative of the wider community. ( )

I love that the onomatopoeia's and certain verbs were in different colors to distinguish them, helpful when teaching basic concepts or learning vocabulary. The story is deceptive in that it looks like a fairly simple story, but has complex themes and layers of meaning. The illustrations are bold in color and interesting to the eye. ( )

Farmer Falgu gets fed up with the noise on his farm in this picture-book adventure from India, and sets out in his oxen-drawn cart to find silence. Along the way he picks up an old man with a drum, a snake charmer, and a troupe of dancers, forgetting his desire for silence as he joins in their music. When he is finally by himself, he compares the nighttime sounds to those at home, and realizes that the farm sounds happy...

The second picture-book I have read from author Chitra Soundar and illustrator Kanika Nair about this character - the first was Farmer Falgu Goes to the Market - Farmer Falgu Goes on a Trip pairs an engaging story with appealing artwork. I appreciated the thoughtful message here, about perspective, and learning to appreciate what we have (even though it annoys us sometimes), and think the use of onomatopoeia could make this a good read-aloud, in the right hands. Recommended to anyone who has read and enjoyed other stories about Farmer Falgu, as well as to those looking for picture-books with an Indian cultural setting. ( )