Farmer Palmer's Wagon Ride

Of all the William Steig books we own (that would be A LOT), I think this one has to be my favorite. Farmer Palmer, and his hired hand Ebenezer (a donkey who is only referred to by the less politically correct terminology) go to town for goods. Having loaded up the wagon, they begin their tumultuous trip home, encountering one trying event after another - each one more absurd than the last. Fortunately, each of their unusual purchases from town comes in handy - in ways, I might mention - that will have you chuckling, and at times laughing uncontrollably. Or maybe I'm just easily amused. Do mind that there is profuse use of a certain donkey-related three letter word that you wouldn't want your wee ones to go around repeating at highly inappropriate moments like the lines at the grocery store or your conservative grandma's house. Steig is often rather carefree with the literal translations (and humor within) of inappropriate and offensive words. However, I think this book is every bit worth it in spite of that - oh heck, because of it really. A fantastically amusing tale.