It's Milking Time

A lyrical and visual treasure—perfect for reading aloud to any child who's ever asked: Where does milk come from?

As the sun sets over the fields, a little girl and her father begin the evening milking. They work side by side, fanning out beds of straw, bringing in the cows, and hooking up the milkers.

Soon they've filled milk can after milk can for the creamery truck that will arrive in the morning. The fresh dairy product isn't just for them—other families will buy their milk, butter, and cheese at stores and farmers' markets near and far, connecting the little girl's farm to the world beyond.

Phyllis Alsdurf has created a poetic story that lovingly depicts the special bond between a child and her father, as well as the relationship between a young farmer and her animals. With Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher's exquisite illustrations, It's Milking Time is a must-have for any picture book collection.

A natural read-aloud selection for fans of Jane Yolen's Owl Moon.

PHYLLIS ALSDURF grew up on a southern Minnesota dairy farm, where one of her chores was to run down the lane and bring the cows to the barn for milking. In that herd of Holsteins was her father's favorite, Jay-Jay, the cow to whom this book is dedicated. Today Phyllis teaches writing at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota. She lives in the Twin Cities with her husband, Jim, and two boxers, Stella and Sophie.

STEVE JOHNSON and LOU FANCHER have illustrated over thirty-five books for children, including Jim Henson: The Guy Who Played with Puppets, A Boy Named FDR, and The Boy on Fairfield Street by Kathleen Krull; My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss; and New York's Bravest by Mary Pope Osborne. I Walk at Night by Lois Duncan was a New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of the Year. Steve and Lou live in California with their son, Nicholas. You can visit their website at johnsonandfancher.com