Sandy Heitmeier Thompson
Maya, Gavin, Brett, and Blake meet a tiny hummingbird named Gabby at the state fair. Gabby watches as her new friends have a great time on the park rides and at games. When the kids take a break for refreshments, some teenagers invite Gavin and Brett to join them in drinking alcohol and smoking, to which the boys reply, 'No!' Gabby praises the boys and talks to the whole group about 'being cool' and the dangers of drinking, smoking, and substance abuse. Eager for some more good fun, the kids move on to the livestock area, where they have hands-on experience with many of the animals. The youngsters go into pens with animals such as calves, horses, and goats, where they learn in comical ways about the realities of farming as they experience animal behaviors and their less-talked-about hazardous droppings. Finally, it’s time for the popular swine race. Although Hamlet is a new contestant, the kids pick him to win the contest. It is a close and super exciting race--as Hamlet pulls into the lead, coming down the stretch in a hilarious dash to the finish line.
