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April Foolishness
It's a spring morning on the farm. Grandpa is fixing breakfast for his visiting grandkids. Suddenly his grandson reports that the cows have got loose! He thinks Big Brown Bessie just stepped on a goose!
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
4 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Teresa Bateman
41 books53 followersTeresa Bateman was born in Moscow, Idaho, but moved to Washington State when she was three-years-old and that's where she has lived most of her life.
An avid writer and reader, Teresa has been making up stories and poems since she was in grade school. "To me it was as natural as breathing," says Teresa.
In school Teresa would drive her teachers crazy by 'creatively' completing assignments. She always met the letter of their assignment, if not the spirit. She worked hard to inject some humor into her work, knowing that the teachers would be reading hundreds of papers and wanting hers to stand out. It worked.
Teresa took English classes for fun in college and when she applied for a Washington State Teaching credential, the state looked at her transcripts and added an endorsement to teach English through the 12th grade!
Teresa cites her teacher Donnell Hunter at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, as having a big influence on her and her writing. He published a class magazine to which the class submitted their work under pen names. Their grades depended on how many stories were included in the magazine. Teresa submitted under about 15 different pen names--just to be annoying! But she knew her work was being judged on its merits alone. Mr. Hunter encouraged her journal writing and instilled in Teresa good writing habits that she continues to this day.
Teresa served an 18-month mission for her church in Argentina, and taught school for a year in Honduras. She also taught school briefly in St. Mary's, Alaska -- a little bush village with a population of 500 in the winter and 50 in the summer. She has been a librarian in the Federal Way School District in Washington for over 30 years.
Teresa writes every single day. She also works full-time, so that means some days she doesn't write much, but she always writes. When at home, Teresa's special spot for writing has a good view of the lilac bushes outside. A picture of a winding path through gentle rolling hills and meadows hangs on the wall. She tells herself, when stuck for an idea, that the story lies at the end of that path.
Teresa lives in Tacoma, Washington.
An avid writer and reader, Teresa has been making up stories and poems since she was in grade school. "To me it was as natural as breathing," says Teresa.
In school Teresa would drive her teachers crazy by 'creatively' completing assignments. She always met the letter of their assignment, if not the spirit. She worked hard to inject some humor into her work, knowing that the teachers would be reading hundreds of papers and wanting hers to stand out. It worked.
Teresa took English classes for fun in college and when she applied for a Washington State Teaching credential, the state looked at her transcripts and added an endorsement to teach English through the 12th grade!
Teresa cites her teacher Donnell Hunter at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, as having a big influence on her and her writing. He published a class magazine to which the class submitted their work under pen names. Their grades depended on how many stories were included in the magazine. Teresa submitted under about 15 different pen names--just to be annoying! But she knew her work was being judged on its merits alone. Mr. Hunter encouraged her journal writing and instilled in Teresa good writing habits that she continues to this day.
Teresa served an 18-month mission for her church in Argentina, and taught school for a year in Honduras. She also taught school briefly in St. Mary's, Alaska -- a little bush village with a population of 500 in the winter and 50 in the summer. She has been a librarian in the Federal Way School District in Washington for over 30 years.
Teresa writes every single day. She also works full-time, so that means some days she doesn't write much, but she always writes. When at home, Teresa's special spot for writing has a good view of the lilac bushes outside. A picture of a winding path through gentle rolling hills and meadows hangs on the wall. She tells herself, when stuck for an idea, that the story lies at the end of that path.
Teresa lives in Tacoma, Washington.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 2, 2020
April Foolishness is a children's picture book written by Teresa Bateman and illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott. It is about two grandchildren trying to warn their grandfather of the disastrous happening around the farm, but since it is April Fools' Day, he doesn't believe them – or should he? Today is April Fools' Day (1 April) and I thought it would be apropos to read this book today.
The text is simplistic, straightforward, and rather poetic. Written in rhyme, this book tells the story about the strange happenings going on around the farm as reported by his grandson, but since it is April Fools' Day, the grandfather doesn’t believe it and continues to make breakfast undaunted. Westcott's illustrations are drawn well and depicted the narrative extremely well.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It's April Fools' Day and two children are visiting their grandparents' farm. Since it is April Fools' Day, the grandchildren are trying to trick their grandfather, but they are quite unsuccessful, until Grandma joins in the fun.
All in all, April Foolishness is a wonderfully humorous children's book about the silliness that could happen on April Fools' Day.
The text is simplistic, straightforward, and rather poetic. Written in rhyme, this book tells the story about the strange happenings going on around the farm as reported by his grandson, but since it is April Fools' Day, the grandfather doesn’t believe it and continues to make breakfast undaunted. Westcott's illustrations are drawn well and depicted the narrative extremely well.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It's April Fools' Day and two children are visiting their grandparents' farm. Since it is April Fools' Day, the grandchildren are trying to trick their grandfather, but they are quite unsuccessful, until Grandma joins in the fun.
All in all, April Foolishness is a wonderfully humorous children's book about the silliness that could happen on April Fools' Day.
March 8, 2022
This is a fun book to read for April Fool's Day. We are big fans of Nadine Bernard Westcott's colorful and cartoonish illustrations and she really captures the essence of the playfulness of an April Fool's Day prank in this book.
The rhyming narrative is fun to read aloud, especially the ending.
The rhyming narrative is fun to read aloud, especially the ending.
March 7, 2017
We love the cleverness found in all Teresa Bateman's books. Anthony picked up on the correlation between the animals and the food right away. I didn't even notice.
November 15, 2022
I'm not a fan of April Fools Day, but this story is a fun twist on it. Grandpa isn't falling for his grandchildren's attempts at fooling him, but Grandma has a surprise in store for him.
What I really like are the little associations between Grandpa's calm breakfast preparations and the farm animals the kids are claiming have broken loose from their pens: when they yell "cows," he pours milk; when they scream "chickens," he fries some eggs; and so on. What a fun and sly way to sneak in educational material.
What I really like are the little associations between Grandpa's calm breakfast preparations and the farm animals the kids are claiming have broken loose from their pens: when they yell "cows," he pours milk; when they scream "chickens," he fries some eggs; and so on. What a fun and sly way to sneak in educational material.
April 2, 2018
cute for April Fools, young grade school
March 19, 2021
One of the ELA books included in my field experience practicum, Teresa Bateman's "April Foolishness" puts the reader into the 'holiday spirit' as the start of the month approaches (and nothing more). A call and response book to expand on a student's concept of movement, humor, and the figures (both animal and human) that connect both, it will be a fair addition to a story time at most.
Compared to other children's books I have interpreted, the is a level of ease with call and response books due to the 'cruise control' that sets in when you are consistently switching out the subject or object and nothing else. You can have fun with how you show the different animals escaping, and Grandpa's sarcasm when he learns about them from his grandchildren, and that potential variety will make each individual story time performance one of a kind for the audience.
While not my personal favorite, but also not one of the worst books to share or interpret, this reader would like to warn future readers before signing off: Should this title make an appearance on your shelf, or on your story time rug, make sure to be careful when you open the cover....you never know what trickery can be hiding inside!
Compared to other children's books I have interpreted, the is a level of ease with call and response books due to the 'cruise control' that sets in when you are consistently switching out the subject or object and nothing else. You can have fun with how you show the different animals escaping, and Grandpa's sarcasm when he learns about them from his grandchildren, and that potential variety will make each individual story time performance one of a kind for the audience.
While not my personal favorite, but also not one of the worst books to share or interpret, this reader would like to warn future readers before signing off: Should this title make an appearance on your shelf, or on your story time rug, make sure to be careful when you open the cover....you never know what trickery can be hiding inside!
July 16, 2017
Oh! So funny. Especially the twist at the end. Your grandchildren will love it. Not a necessary book or especially wise, but still recommended.
September 7, 2023
Copyright date: 2004
Star rating: 3
Award: N/A
Genre: children's lit
Summary w/ themes: this book takes place on a grandparents farm on April Fools day when their grandchildren come to visit. The grandchildren and grandma are able to prank the grandpa. The theme of this book is April fools day.
Use for future classroom: This is not really a book I want in my classroom.
Thoughts of book: I thought this book was okay. I liked the illustrations but I feel like the plot was lacking. I also felt as though the story itself could have been longer.
Star rating: 3
Award: N/A
Genre: children's lit
Summary w/ themes: this book takes place on a grandparents farm on April Fools day when their grandchildren come to visit. The grandchildren and grandma are able to prank the grandpa. The theme of this book is April fools day.
Use for future classroom: This is not really a book I want in my classroom.
Thoughts of book: I thought this book was okay. I liked the illustrations but I feel like the plot was lacking. I also felt as though the story itself could have been longer.
April 23, 2018
The kids have come to visit the farm on April Fool's Day, but they can't trick old grandpa. He ignores their cries for help. As all the animals escape he continues to make his breakfast (using all farm animal products) until grandma tells him April Fool's Day is tomorrow. Grandpa races out to stop the animals while grandma and the kids have a good laugh at grandpa's expense, today is April Fool's Day!
November 26, 2022
I planned to be my daughter's class secret reader. I found the perfect date. APRIL FOOLS DAY! I kept it secret from her for months. I searched for the best book for her kindergarten class. This was it! Absolutely perfect for my master plan. The kids were all interested in the book and asked questions. After reading the book to the class I donated it to the class library. The teacher said all the kids took turns borrowing the book each week.
April 8, 2021
An adorably fun picture book to share with your kiddos on April Fools Day. I can just imagine the frustration the kids will express as Grandpa ignores their warnings of the barnyard follies. To Funny!
March 1, 2017
A fun April Fools adventure!! Not really my holiday but still a fun book!
Don't mess with Grandpa though... wink!
Don't mess with Grandpa though... wink!
September 15, 2018
Silly!
April 1, 2019
Cute April fool's book with Grandma in on the fun.
April 2, 2019
Such a fun and funny book for April Fool’s Day!
April 3, 2019
Ha ha! Grandpa is no fool! Or is he? 😄
March 14, 2020
what a fun read, great illustrations, so awesome!! love that cover, totally pulled me in ... check it out!!
April 26, 2022
Cute story and illustrations!
February 18, 2023
One of my favorites to read aloud to students!
May 16, 2024
This was a HILARIOUS book! I highly recommend this book!
April 1, 2025
Super silly April Fool's Day book!
April 16, 2025
Cute story. Great illustrations. Children will love the humor.
September 30, 2023
Definitely coming back to this at age 8. So fun!!
No spoilers!!!
No spoilers!!!
February 15, 2017
Picture book
This is a cute April Fool's Day story about grandkids visiting their grandparents farm.
The illustrations are cute.
There is a rhyme
I don't know that there is much else I could do with this in the classroom though.
This is a cute April Fool's Day story about grandkids visiting their grandparents farm.
The illustrations are cute.
There is a rhyme
I don't know that there is much else I could do with this in the classroom though.
May 28, 2015
SUMMARY: Grandma is excited because the grandkids are coming over and it is April Fools Day. While Grandpa is fixing himself breakfast, brother and sister come in to tell him about one calamity after another happening out in the barnyard. Grandpa does not take them seriously because he assumes they are playing April fools jokes on him. But Grandma gets the last laugh.
ILLUSTRATIONS: The illustrations are brightly colored, lively and fun. There are funny little details here and there that are a delight to discover.
THE GOOD: This was a very cleverly told story. You think one thing is happening in the story and then find out in the end that something completely different is going on.
THE NOT AS GOOD: A note for vegans: As the children warn Grandpa about each animal problem, he makes a breakfast item coming from that animal (such as bacon while being warned about the pigs). Some of the irony and humor may go over the youngest children's heads.
AGE RECOMMENDATION: Age 4-7
ILLUSTRATIONS: The illustrations are brightly colored, lively and fun. There are funny little details here and there that are a delight to discover.
THE GOOD: This was a very cleverly told story. You think one thing is happening in the story and then find out in the end that something completely different is going on.
THE NOT AS GOOD: A note for vegans: As the children warn Grandpa about each animal problem, he makes a breakfast item coming from that animal (such as bacon while being warned about the pigs). Some of the irony and humor may go over the youngest children's heads.
AGE RECOMMENDATION: Age 4-7
February 23, 2016
April Foolishness is about two grandkids coming to visit their grandparents who live on a farm on April Fools Day. The two grandkids came running in the house form outside to tell Grandpa that the cows were out. Grandpa ignored him and kept going on with his morning routine. Then the kids kept coming in time after time saying all of the animals were out and Grandpa still ignored the situation. Grandma finally came in kitchen asking about all of the noises and he told her nothing the kids were just trying to trick him. Read the book to find out if the kids were just teasing him or the animals just happened to actually be out.
I loved this book. It was short and very funny for kids.
This book could be read on April Fools Day. It is always good to have a book to read to the class relating to the holiday.
I loved this book. It was short and very funny for kids.
This book could be read on April Fools Day. It is always good to have a book to read to the class relating to the holiday.
March 25, 2015
Summary:
Basically the grandkids come over on and try to trick their Grandpa by saying that the animals are doing crazy things. The grandpa just shrugs it off and keeps making breakfast because he things it's April Fools day and the grandkids are just trying to trick him. Then when the grandma comes down she asks what all the fuss is about. The Grandpa says don't mind the kids that they are just trying to prank him. Grandma the responds by saying April Fools day is to tomorrow. The grandpa freaks out running outside. Was that only a prank by grandma or are all the animals actually causing trouble?
Reaction:
I thought the book was pretty funny. I wasn't expecting the ending so that was a pleasant surprise. I think that most children love to hear books about these pretty harmless pranks.
Basically the grandkids come over on and try to trick their Grandpa by saying that the animals are doing crazy things. The grandpa just shrugs it off and keeps making breakfast because he things it's April Fools day and the grandkids are just trying to trick him. Then when the grandma comes down she asks what all the fuss is about. The Grandpa says don't mind the kids that they are just trying to prank him. Grandma the responds by saying April Fools day is to tomorrow. The grandpa freaks out running outside. Was that only a prank by grandma or are all the animals actually causing trouble?
Reaction:
I thought the book was pretty funny. I wasn't expecting the ending so that was a pleasant surprise. I think that most children love to hear books about these pretty harmless pranks.
September 13, 2012
Tricky and clever! Grandpa is making breakfast while his grandchildren tell him story after story about the farm running a muck. It's not until Grandma comes in that the truth is revealed.
A wonderfully dramatic story with a clever embellishments while making breakfast. The story is excellent as read aloud for a large group. In a smaller setting or one-on-one sharing, the readers can notice the clever illustrations and text about farm products while Grandpa makes breakfast.
Theme: grandparents
Additional themes: April Fools, farm, breakfast
Reviewed from a library copy.
A wonderfully dramatic story with a clever embellishments while making breakfast. The story is excellent as read aloud for a large group. In a smaller setting or one-on-one sharing, the readers can notice the clever illustrations and text about farm products while Grandpa makes breakfast.
Theme: grandparents
Additional themes: April Fools, farm, breakfast
Reviewed from a library copy.
September 10, 2015
This was a super fun book to read! It's a combination of Grandparents sharing with grandkids and April Fool Day. The grandkids are all running around like crazy because things out on the farm are all crazy...animals out of the pens and things all weird but Grandpa is taking his time and making breakfast because he knows they are teasing him because it's April Fools Day. BUT when Grandma tells him April Fools Day is 'tomorrow' he jumps out and runs outside! The grandkids did 'get' Grandpa after all! Story and illustrations are great in this book!
January 20, 2016
A grandpa who owns a farm cannot be ruffled when his grandchildren keep bursting in on his breakfast to tell him of the chaos ensuing with the animals. Grandpa knows it April Fool's Day and isn't about to be fooled. Only when Grandma comes down and tells him that April first is tomorrow does Grandpa react. (Grandma got him - April Fool!)
Great illustrations.
Great illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews