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My oldest son fell in love with farms and farm animals when he was about four years old. although we have always lived in the city, he feels more comfortable in the country.
You are reading: Children’s books about agriculture
Fortunately, our home state of Indiana has a thriving agriculture industry and we have had the opportunity to meet many farmers and visit many farms. Our entire family has learned a lot about where our food comes from, but there are two important things that really stand out to me.
The first is that most people who farm for a living don’t have what I call an “old macdonald” farm. there is no moo-moo here and oink-oink there. most farms focus on producing one thing. if you go to a pork producer’s farm, you won’t see many cows, but you will probably see hundreds of pigs! farmers are specialists who have learned the ins and outs of their particular product, because it is their livelihood.
The second thing I learned is that you don’t have to go to the farmers market to get food from a family farm. The vast majority of farms in the United States are family owned and operated. That means the meat and dairy you buy at the grocery store is raised by family farmers, some whose families have been farming for more than a century. the food they grow is the same food they serve to their families! no special travel required.
In light of what I’ve learned about modern farming, I’ve put together this list of books that paint an accurate picture of what farming is like today. I hope they teach you as much as they have taught us!
10 children’s books on livestock and agriculture
it’s milking time by phyllis alsdurf
A little girl works alongside her father to take care of the cows on their dairy farm. This book explains the journey of their milk from the cow to the store, and also shows how the work on a farm never stops. The animals must be cared for even on weekends and holidays. Check out our more in-depth review here.
I recommend sharing this book with children ages 5 and up.
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meet pete by jennifer campbell
Pete was a special calf, and he needed someone special to take care of him. Emi Lou was just the girl for the job. Emi Lou tenderly cares for Pete day after day, spending hours in a barn on her family’s farm. In the process, the reader gets a peek into what life on a family farm is all about.
Small animal lovers will love this sweet book, written by a mother and family of farmers.
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how did that get in my lunchbox? the history of food by chris butterworth
Every child enjoys digging into a tasty lunch, but not every child realizes how that food was made. This book follows the journey of several different types of food, showing the steps taken from growing to production to purchasing. The bright illustrations make this a fun read!
This book is great for ages 5 and up.
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milk: from cow to carton by aliki
Aliki is one of our favorite non-fiction authors, and this book is one of the reasons why! This book moves “from green grass to white milk,” and shows the connection between what cows eat and the milk they produce. Your child will have a complete understanding of the work behind their glass of milk, and the journey it takes from the cow to the table.
School-age kids will love this book about where their milk comes from!
See Also: Best Philosophy Books of 2020 – Five Books Expert Recommendations
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See Also: Wendy Walker – Book Series In Order
agriculture by gail gibbons
Gibbons is another one of our favorite non-fiction authors, and this book provides a straightforward look at life on a farm. This book is an excellent overview of farming season to season, with bright illustrations and simple sentences that early readers can handle with minimal help. Gibbons also has several books about specific animals and crops, including:
- pigs
- dairy producers
- chickens and hens
- the vegetables we eat
- corn
These books are the perfect learning tools for school-age children.
See Also: Best Philosophy Books of 2020 – Five Books Expert Recommendations
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See Also: Wendy Walker – Book Series In Order
the life and times of corn by charles micucci
You might know that corn grows on a cob and tastes delicious, but do you know all the things corn is used for in our country? This book is packed full of corn facts, and explores both the history and science behind growing corn, as well as the many uses of this marvelous grain.
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This book is ideal for children ages 4 and up.
See Also: Best Philosophy Books of 2020 – Five Books Expert Recommendations
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fall harvests: bringing the food by martha e.h. rusty
This bright and colorful read aloud focuses on the harvest season. Farmers reap the benefit of their hard work when they harvest their crops in the fall.
This book is packed with great information, but it’s easy and clear enough for elementary students to understand.
See Also: Best Philosophy Books of 2020 – Five Books Expert Recommendations
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clarabelle: making milk and much more by cris peterson
Follow a day in the life of a real cow on a real dairy farm in Wisconsin! This book explores how Clarabelle is cared for, how her milk is collected, and how even her manure can be used for things like fertilizer and electricity. It’s a really excellent look at life on a modern family farm.
See Also: Best Philosophy Books of 2020 – Five Books Expert Recommendations
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agriculture: america at workby ann love and jane drake
This book looks takes a closer look at farmers who raise cattle and farmers who raise vegetables. It clearly shows the work behind the food we eat, and helps children understand and appreciate the efforts that help put their dinner on the table.
We enjoyed this book because it was real without being dry and boring – a must have for primary school children!
See Also: Best Philosophy Books of 2020 – Five Books Expert Recommendations
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john deere, that’s who! by tracy nelson maurer
You’ve probably heard the name John Deere, but did you know that John Deere was a real person? We loved learning more about this blacksmith who invented the steel plow and changed farming forever. His invention was the predecessor to the modern farming equipment used today.
See Also: Best Philosophy Books of 2020 – Five Books Expert Recommendations
get it on indiebound | get it on amazon
See Also: Wendy Walker – Book Series In Order