Mrs. Wishy-Washy's Farm

Mrs. Wishy-Washy

by Joy Cowley, Elizabeth Fuller (Illustrator)

Uh-oh. Mrs. Wishy-Washy is at it again. Rubbing and scrubbing all the animals on the farm. But this time they aren't standing for it. Duck, Cow, and Pig are leaving mean old Mrs. Wishy-Washy for good!

They run away to the big city. But they get lost, wander into a restaurant, and even stumble into a hardware store and get covered in paint! Where is Mrs. Wishy-Washy when they need her? Maybe her farm isn't so bad after all . . .

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Storytime, Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Cassia Joy Cowley is a New Zealand author best known for her children's fiction, including the popular series of books Mrs. Wishy-Washy.

Reviews

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

A cow, pig and duck discover after running away that, even with her annoying baths, being imprisoned on Mrs. Wishy-Washy's farm is better than being imprisoned in an animal shelter in the city. Does PETA consider this lesser-of-two-evils propaganda?

[C Exley Books (Cassandra) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just read this with my four and a half year old son. He got this book from the Plunket nurse yesterday at his before school check.

It was a great a book for kids learning to read. I said each word and my son said it back. This is the first book he has done that for the whole story.

All questions answered by my son (Nicholas).

Do you like this book?
yes

What's your favourite part of the book?
Inside *turns pages to when the animals get to the city* this part

What do you think of the cover?
its good

Do you want me to read it again?
yes

[♥♣Mary♦♠ If She So Pleases · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice animal picture book about the importance of not taking what you have for granted.

[Shiloah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The younger people in the family enjoyed this best.

[Kalynne]

Storytime 67 kids ages 0-5
Book one (3-4 minutes): Farm Flu by Teresa Bateman

Song/rhyme/game one (3-4 minutes): wisconson milk
Give me a big “M” (Kids shout m)
Give me a little “m” (Kids whisper m)
Don’t Give me no pop, no pop (Clap on pop)
Don’t Give me no tea, no tea (Clap on tea)
Just give me that milk moo, moo, moo, moo (Pretend to milk a cow on each moo)
Wisconsin Milk moo, moo, moo, moo (Pretend to milk a cow on each moo)
*Repeat With I, L and K*

Book two (3-4 minutes): Job Wanted by Teresa Bateman

Song/rhyme/game two (3-4 minutes): B-I-N-G-O (Clap with each letter. Take letter off the end each time and just clap, can also use rhythm sticks)


Book three (3-4 minutes): Mrs. Wishy Washy by Joy Cowley

Song/ rhyme/ game three (3-4 minutes): The bath Song-Super Simple Songs -with pink balloons for soap (use after for craft)

Special Signs: cow, sheep, pig, dog, farmer

Activity: data:image/jpeg;base64,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

[Sally Weiss · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very cute little book and a good introduction to the type of farm chores that farmers have to do. After reading this book, my son and I gave all of his farm animals a "bath" with soapy water. It was a fun activity to do in connection with the book.

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the type of book that you would give to someone that likes the country and barn animals. The moral of the story is to be grateful for what you have and know; and there is no place like home.

[Dorothea Holcomb · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this for a Preachool themed week on farm animals. The audience was 1- and 2-year olds. While I know their attention span is short I can generally find books that will make them smile laugh, or at least point to the pictures. While the premise of this book seemed perfect - farm animals hating bath time and running away, once I read it (before reading to the kids) I was bothered by the very negative direction the story took. They run away because they don’t like bath time? What message is that sending to young children?

I decided to take the chance and read it to the one- and two-year olds and get their reactions to a story like this. What I found interesting was that the two year olds didn’t understand why anyone would run away because they didn’t like bathtime. One of the students actually said, “Don’t they know it doesn’t last forever ? “. The other issue that came up with the younger kids, the one-year-olds, was that there was no pointing of illustrations, there was no laughter. There was not even a smile. They did not like the story and I can’t say the two year olds liked it any better. So my attempt to find a farm book that these young children had not already been exposed to failed miserably. I guess you win some and you lose some in early literacy..

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mrs. Wishy-Washy’s Farm by Joy Cowley
Mrs. Wishy-Washy’s Cow, pig, and duck absolutely do not like bath time in the old tub so they take off on an adventure to the city. They shortly find out that the city is not for farm animals. Meandering into a fancy restaurant and hardware store leads the animals to animal jail. Mrs. Wishy-Washy picks up the animals and take them home for bath time, which they gladly accept. Elizabeth Fuller, the illustrator, creates images that come to life and jump off the page. Her furry details on the animals and the brushstrokes of city life help the book create meaningful imagery for her story.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uh-oh. Mrs. Wishy-Washy is at it again. Rubbing and scrubbing all the animals on the farm. But this time they aren't standing for it. Duck, Cow, and Pig are leaving mean old Mrs. Wishy-Washy for good!

They run away to the big city. But they get lost, wander into a restaurant, and even stumble into a hardware store and get covered in paint! Where is Mrs. Wishy-Washy when they need her? Maybe her farm isn't so bad after all . . .

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cow, pig, and Duck think Mrs. Wishy-Washy could treat them better than washing in an old tub. They head off to the city, but this new adventure has ended them up in animal jail. What ever will happen to this trio. But wait, they hear the old truck! Mrs. Wishy-Washy rescues her animals and all ends well.

teaching application-Making paper plate animal masks would be fun to have for acting out this story.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tired of being scrubbed in the old tin tub by Mrs. Wishy-Washy, duck, pig, and cow leave the farm, and run away to the city. But life isn't all it's cracked up to be, and they find themselves in animal jail. What will become of this wayward trio? Will they get of animal jail, and what about Mrs. Wishy-Washy? Only time will tell, if all will come out in the wash.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pig, duck, and cow don't want to take anymore baths so they run away from the farm to the city but ips the city better? cute and the kids love the sounds. preschool for sure but the right toddler group too

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE this book! I love the rhymes and the word play! I was smiling and laughing while reading it to my 3 year old. He love the animals and was able to tell me how they where feeling by their facial expressions. Great book!

[Brenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I tried to read by myself. I remember my frustration at not being able to do and being annoyed at my parents for not reading it to me haha! A lovely children's book none-the-less!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book uses rhyming. This is another book you could teach about emotions. It be a great book to teach about animals and their sounds. The illustrations were great, made the animals look like real life animals.

[Shaquira DesDune · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book uses some alliteration, rhyming and animal sounds to describe whats going on with the animals. Allows children to point out different farm animals. It also describes some of the duties that would take place on the farm.

[E & E’s Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

A silly book about farm animals who run away from their owner because they detest taking baths. Soon they discover the city isn’t as wonderful as they imagined. Elliot enjoyed this one more than I did.


•library book. Read at 22 months

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty cute farm animal book with a good rhythm.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book for story time at work (library) and read it often, the kids and adults always get a laugh out of it!

[Brittany · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just doesn't have a good flow.

[Christine Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Countdown to Kindergarten: Letter W

The animals on Mrs. Wishy's farm are tired of getting a bath! They decide to run away to the city. Will they be happier their than on the farm?

[Lateesh Corbitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a great lesson about how we sometimes miss the things we think we don't like. Chidren will enjoy the amusing rhymes. They will also enjoy the colorful illustrations.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son's kindergarten teacher recommended Mrs. Wishy-Washy's farm. It's fun and relatable.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The animals can't stand Mrs. Wishy-Washy and her outrageous expectations for cleanliness. Until they end up in a world without her. Great book for preschool aged kids.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love picture books that are simply fun, silly, and don't carry a heavy message. This is that book.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to Jason's read aloud and he did a great job with the animal sounds. The book pushes the bathtime agenda lol.

[Mrs Heet -Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorable more modern rhyming farm story, perfect for younger children.

[Villain E · Rating 3 out of 5]

A group of farm animals don't like taking baths. They run away to the city and manage to get themselves dirty and are happy to get home. Told in rhyme.

[Sydney Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite cute. Plus, I love rhymes.