June 9, 2015

3 Min Read
Which ag-accurate kids’ books do you love? PLUS: 2 farm book reviews

Our family celebrated my daughter Scarlett’s first birthday party over the weekend, and by far, her favorite gifts were books, especially ones that featured livestock, tractors and ranch life. As a parent, I also enjoy reading the more relatable children’s books that include adventures on the ranch. Recently, I received a couple of farm books to review. As a children’s author myself, I have a passion for accurate books about agriculture. Here are my thoughts on two farm book titles that were released in 2015:

1. “Big Tractors” by Holly Dufek and illustrated by Paul E. Nunn

“Big Tractors,” which was released in April, shows how the tractors handle the demanding jobs of pulling and powering on the farm. Readers discover how Big Red and Sammy — the biggest tractors on the farm — use their powerful muscles to work in the field with the rest of the team. Kids can learn about the science of farming and discover how advanced technology has helped producers take care of the land and grow more food.

Whether you are a fan of John Deere Green or Case IH, this book is incredibly fun for farm kids. Scarlett loves tractors, and she says “vroom, vroom,” as I read this one to her. It’s definitely already a favorite on the bookshelf.

READ: 4 lessons learned in my first year as a ranch mom

2. “A Year on the Farm” by Holly Dufek and illustrated by Paul E. Nunn

This book, released in January, is another fun one from Dufek and Nunn, and introduces children to the world of modern farming by teaching them about the different jobs a farmer does each season. Readers learn how tractors, combines, and other equipment plant and harvest crops and care for the livestock. It follows the life of a farmer throughout the year and shows kids that whether rain or shine, there’s always work to be done on the ranch.

As a mom, I can appreciate this book for the fun facts included throughout the book. I know as Scarlett gets older, this book, and the others Dufek has published in her collection of farm books, will help her learn the ins and outs of life on the farm and where food comes from.

READ: Why raising country kids rocks!

I highly recommend these books, and my daughter gives them her stamp of approval, too. Which agriculturally-accurate books do you like to read your kids? Share your suggestions in the comments section below. I would love to put together a more complete list to share in a blog post, so any and all ideas are welcome. Thanks for your help!

The opinions of Amanda Radke are not necessarily those of beefmagazine.com or Penton Agriculture.

 

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