Cultivating Curiosity: 10 Engaging Children’s Books About Farming
The world is increasingly focused on technological advances and virtual reality, but the truth is that agriculture is the backbone of our country. Teaching children about agriculture not only connects them to their heritage but also helps them develop a greater appreciation for farmers and ranchers, learn about the importance of sustainable agriculture, and give them a better understanding of how their food choices will impact their personal health and the world around them. You don’t have to move to a farm to impart these valuable lessons. Here are 10 of our favorite children’s books about farming to help teach your kids or students more about where food comes from.
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1. “The Farm That Feeds Us: A Year in the Life of an Organic Farm” by Nancy Castaldo
Charmingly illustrated and treasured by many, “The Farm That Feeds Us” is one of the best children’s books about agriculture. It addresses questions like where our food comes from, what role farms play in production and what it’s like to be a farmer. Recommended for ages 3 through 8, this story follows along with a small, organic family farm for a year. Springtime illustrates the preparation of the fields, summer shows planting corn and attending the county fair, autumn is the time to make pies and harvest pumpkins, and winter involves trimming and pruning the orchard. Children will not only learn about how food is produced but also about the farmers who feed them.
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2. “How to Bake an Apple Pie and See the World” by Marjorie Priceman
“How to Bake an Apple Pie and See the World” is a delightful children’s book that stands out among the crowd for its education and engagement. This whimsical story takes kids on a globe-trotting ride to gather ingredients for a pie, illustrating everything from different countries and cultures to cuisines and customs. The book is a fun and playful read that includes a simple recipe for apple pie to bring the story to life right in your own kitchen.
3. “Potatoes for Pirate Pearl” by Jennifer Concepcion
Bursting with entertainment and playful illustrations, “Potatoes for Pirate Pearl” is an enjoyable way to introduce children to the art of planting, growing and harvesting potatoes. When Pearl and her pet parrot are desperate for something to eat aside from biscuits, they end up on a potato farm where they learn how to grow and cook potatoes in a variety of ways. This engaging new story will help children learn more about potatoes, inspire them to try new recipes and teach them about the art of making new friends. If that doesn’t make for a great children’s book, what does?
See more: Free and Fun Agriculture Education Resources for Kids
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4. “Maple Syrup from the Sugarhouse” by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton
With vivid illustrations and a captivating story, “Maple Syrup from the Sugarhouse” by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton is a unique children’s book about agriculture. Readers will uncover a whole new side to farming: this time about the production of maple syrup. The book provides children with a window into the mesmerizing world of tapping maple trees, collecting sap, and transforming it into the mouthwatering syrup we all know and love (to pour generously over our pancakes, of course). In addition to the ins and outs of maple syrup making, this story highlights the importance of hard work, patience and the rewards that come from stewarding the land.
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5. “Hey, Hey, Hay!” by Christy Mihaly
Looking for an entertaining children’s book about farmers? “Hey, Hey, Hay!” is a standout choice that not only introduces kids to the process of planting, growing and harvesting hay but also explores the various ways it can be used, such as feeding animals and serving as bedding. While the topic of hay production may not be the first subject that comes to mind when thinking about children’s farm books, this story takes what may seem like an ordinary topic and transforms it into an engaging adventure filled with beloved farm animals and the hardworking people who care for them.
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6. “Sleep Tight Farm” by Eugenie Doyle and Becca Stadtlander
“Sleep Tight Farm” by Eugenie Doyle and Becca Stadtlander is an excellent children’s farming book because it not only portrays an authentic farm life but also explores the various tasks and chores the family members undertake to keep the farm going. From planting seeds and harvesting crops to cooking meals and preparing equipment for winter, this exceptional story beautifully illustrates how those who work hard will reap delicious rewards.
See more: 18 Farm-Inspired Gifts for Kids Interested in Agriculture
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7. “Right This Very Minute: A Table-to-Farm Book About Food and Farming” by Lisl H. Detlefsen
Playful and fun, “Right This Very Minute” is an engaging children’s book that makes it easier than ever to teach kids about food production. Throughout the tale, families find themselves wondering where their meals come from. The questions are followed by colorful and detailed illustrations depicting the people and processes necessary to produce the food the families find on their plates. The book explores more than a dozen different farms, such as citrus growers and family-owned strawberry farms, as well as information on topics such as maple syrup production and dairy farmers.
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8. “Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt” by Kate Messner
This beautifully illustrated book by Kate Messner explores the hidden world of garden life both above and below the soil. Told by the granddaughter of an avid gardener, this story weaves its way through the seasons, showcasing everything from the bees, flowers and vegetables above ground to the earthworms, tomato hornworms and ants below the soil. “Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt” does a marvelous job explaining how the animals in and under the soil contribute to the growth and flourishing of the garden above.
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9. “From Seed to Plant” by Gail Gibbons
Gail Gibbons has authored more than 100 books for children, but “From Seed to Plant” is one of her bestselling titles, and for good reason. Using simple language and engaging illustrations that captivate young minds, this story introduces children to the complex world of pollination, seed formation and germination. As an added bonus, the book includes instructions for a seed-growing project, making it a great companion to science lessons for any child who shows an interest in gardening.
See more: 9 Creative Spring Gardening Projects for Kids
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10. “Construction Site: Farming Strong, All Year Long” by Sherri Duskey Rinker
Parents of small children are bound to be familiar with Sherri Duskey Rinker’s Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site series. This particular children’s book highlights farm vehicles and the crucial roles they play on the farm throughout the year. From planting in the spring and building a barn in the summer to the autumn harvest and settling in the animals for winter, this fun-filled book will teach children about teamwork, collaboration and all the effort that goes into running a farm.
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