A day at a country harvest fair for the Martin family provides the structure for Janet Lunn’s latest picture book. Lunn lives in Prince Edward County, Ontario; illustrator Gilles Pelletier in Ormstown, Quebec. Both know their subject well. English and French names share an easy camaraderie in this book, such that readers could easily choose to pronounce Martin à la française (as they would in the French edition, Allons à la foire). There are the usual contests for baking, produce, and livestock, with a few family members in the running for ribbons. And there’s lots of entertainment in the form of sulky races, an amusement park, music, dancing, and more. But don’t expect much of a story – there are no serious mishaps or funny moments. This said, the book succeeds as a nicely written, panoramic account of the sights, sounds, and smells of the fair. It’s nostalgic for those who know these events, inviting for those who don’t.

The brilliant, clear colours of the naive folk art illustrations capture the hustle and bustle of a country fair. The abundance of warm, rounded shapes and homey touches – like the dog, Pete, wearing a polka-dot bandanna – give the book a neighbourly feel. Pelletier is best known for his work on Roch Carrier’s A Happy New Year’s Day, which was shortlisted for the Governor General’s Award for Illustration. Here he shows the same affection for community scenes, but is more of a miniaturist. The many bright patterns and details in the artist’s careful compositions create a decorative effect overall. There is even a mouse hidden in each picture. Given that the illustrations are already full of interest, the find-the-mouse motif seems superfluous. (I think it’s the Waldo syndrome.)

Though not particularly innovative, Come to the Fair is a lovely book sure to be popular (especially in fall) in schools and libraries. Pair it with Sheryl McFarlane’s Going to the Fair for a different treatment of the same subject.