Raising farm kids means teaching them the value of hard work, where their food comes from, and the deep connection we share with the land and animals around us. Whether your little ones are learning to bottle-feed calves, gather eggs, or plant seeds in the garden, these children’s books are perfect companions. From sweet stories about strawberry patches and farm dogs to global lessons on sustainability and soil, these children’s books celebrate farm life in all its forms.
FARM BOOKS FOR BABIES + TODDLERS
Start ’em young! These farm-themed board books are perfect for your littlest ranch hands. With sturdy pages, bright illustrations, and simple, engaging text, these baby- and toddler-friendly picks introduce early learners to life on the land—from tractors and animals to bedtime in the barnyard. Whether you’re snuggling up after chores or reading before nap time, these books bring the farm to even the tiniest lap.
Explore the best farm books for babies and toddlers—perfect for introducing little ones to agriculture, animals, and country life:
FARMHER FAVORITE: Plant & Grow (A John Deere Lift-A-Flap Book)
Written by Jack Redwing; Illustrated by Katie Hickey
AGES 1-3
If you’ve got a toddler who’s already obsessed with tractors, this sturdy board book is a sweet introduction to the world they’ll grow up loving. With bright rural scenes, simple farm facts, and plenty of John Deere green, it’s built to stand up to busy little hands. The lift-the-flap format encourages motor skills, and the easy sentences help early language learners along—perfect for reading together between feedings, fence checks, or nap time.
Nothing runs (or reads) like a John Deere Lift-a-Flap farming book!
BEYOND THE BOOK: Read Along to Plant & Grow
Your Farm
Written and Illustrated by John Klassen
AGES: 2-5 YEARS
This quietly beautiful board book invites little ones to explore a farm through simple objects—a truck, a stool, a horse, and its hay—culminating in a peaceful sunset and bedtime. Part of a series celebrating comfort and imagination, Your Farm offers a calm, cozy look at rural life that feels both familiar and a bit whimsical. With Jon Klassen’s signature touch, it’s a lovely way to wind down the day—especially for families who live the farm life every day.
BEYOND THE BOOK: Read Along to Your Farm
You Are A Honey Bee!
Written by Larie Ann Thompson; Illustrated by Jay Fleck
AGES: 2-5 YEARS
Ever wonder what “busy as a bee” really means? This delightful picture book follows a bee from birth to first flight, showing young readers how these incredible pollinators clean, feed, and help build the hive. It’s a playful, fact-filled look at the hidden world of bees—perfect for farm kids learning just how important these tiny workers are to the land around them. Part of the Meet Your World series, it’s a sweet introduction to the animals that share our rural spaces and help us feed the world.
Growing Vegetable Soup
Written by Lois Ehlert
AGES: 2-4 YEARS
Got a little helper who loves digging in the dirt? There’s so much to learn in Lois Ehlert’s colorful picture book about growing vegetables. First, we collect the necessary tools, and don’t forget the seeds. Then the magic happens: planting, weeding, harvesting, washing, chopping, cooking, and best of all—eating! There’s even a recipe for vegetable soup! With bold, cut-paper illustrations and simple, engaging language, it’s a perfect way to spark interest in gardening and healthy eating. Whether you’re raising future FarmHERs or just trying to get them to eat their veggies, this one’s a keeper.
Before We Eat: From Farm to Table
Written by Pat Brisson; Illustrated by Mary Azarian
AGES: 2-5 YEARS
With beautiful woodcut-style illustrations and simple, powerful text, Before We Eat gently reminds young readers that every meal begins with the hard work of many—farmers, ranchers, fishermen, truck drivers, and more. From planting and harvesting to milking and loading crates, this book offers a heartfelt tribute to the people behind our food. This book is perfect for farm families teaching their kids to appreciate the value of labor and the journey food takes to reach the table. It’s a quiet, meaningful read that celebrates nourishment in every sense of the word.
FARM BOOKS FOR YOUNGER KIDS
For preschoolers and early elementary kids who are full of questions and curiosity, these stories dig a little deeper into farm life, food, animals, and the people who grow what we eat. With playful storytelling, vibrant illustrations, and just the right amount of farm facts, these books are perfect for reading aloud or letting new readers explore on their own.
Check out our top children’s books for younger kids that celebrate farming, food, animals, and rural life—great for preschool to early elementary ages:
FARMHER FAVORITE: Charlie the Ranch Dog
Written by RanchHER Ree Drummond (aka The Pioneer Woman); Illustrated by Diane deGroat
AGES: 3-6 YEARS
If you’ve ever had a ranch dog who thought they ran the place, you’ll get a kick out of Charlie. This lovable, bacon-obsessed basset hound shares his version of ranch life—full of “hard work,” naps, and helping out (sort of). With charming illustrations by Diane deGroat and a recipe from Ree herself, this sweet and funny picture book is perfect for kids growing up with muddy boots, morning chores, and dogs underfoot. A heartwarming hit from Ree Drummond, aka The Pioneer Woman!
The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses
Written by Paul Goble
AGES: 3-8 YEARS
This Caldecott Medal–winning classic tells the tale of a young Native American girl with a deep, intuitive bond with the horses in her care. As she leads, listens, and lives among them, her connection grows so strong she ultimately becomes one with the wild herd. With stunning, traditional-style illustrations and a gentle, powerful message, this book honors both the sacred relationship between people and animals—and the freedom found in following your heart. A moving read for any family where horses are more than just livestock—they’re kin.
BEYOND THE BOOK: Based on the beloved story by Paul Goble, The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses by The Chamber Music Society at Lincoln Center is a musical telling of this exciting and haunting tale that will enchant and inspire audiences of all ages. WATCH ONLINE
FARMHER FAVORITES: Rosie’s Wild Ride + Rosie’s Ranch Rescue: Taking Care of Each Other
Written by RanchHER Paige Murray; Illustrated by Kristen Humphreys
AGES: 4-8 YEARS
Meet Rosie the Clydesdale—she’s strong, sweet, and not afraid to dream big. In Rosie’s Wild Ride, Rosie and her cowgirl best friend Oakley set their sights on rodeo stardom. But when things go off-script in the arena, it’s Rosie’s size and heart that save the day. The upcoming sequel, Rosie to the Rescue (coming October 2025), follows the duo as they face down a pack of coyotes threatening their ranch and beloved baby calves.
Written by RanchHER Paige Murray—yes, the wife of cowboy legend Ty Murray—these stories celebrate friendship, resilience, and the bravery it takes to protect what you love. With real-life animal inspiration, engaging illustrations, and fun facts sprinkled in, Rosie’s adventures are perfect for young ranch kids with big dreams of their own.
BEYOND THE BOOK: Ready to DIG IN? We sat down with Paige Murray for our latest episode of Dirt Diaries: The FarmHER + RanchHER Podcast to learn more about the wild ride of raising ranch kids, writing books, and traveling the rodeo trail with her husband, Ty, and their daughter, Oakley.
Listen to Paige’s episode when it premieres on Thursday, July 31, wherever you get your podcasts!
In Our Garden
Written by Pat Zietlow Miller; Illustrated by Melissa Crowton
AGES: 3-7 YEARS
When Millie moves far from home, she misses the garden she once tended with her family. But with a bit of imagination and a lot of heart, she sparks a rooftop revolution at her new school. This inspiring picture book follows the creation of a school garden—from the first idea to the final harvest—and the way it helps a new kid find community and connection. This story beautifully reflects the power of growing food, growing friendships, and growing a sense of belonging. It’s a reminder that good things take time—and that sometimes, all it takes is one seed of an idea to change everything. A must-read for any farm-loving family raising the next generation of growers.
How Did That Get In My Lunchbox? The Story of Food
Written by Chris Butterworth; Illustrated by Lucia Gaggiotti
AGES: 4-8 YEARS
Ever had a kid ask where their sandwich or juice box really comes from? This engaging picture book walks young readers through the journey of everyday foods—from planting and harvesting to mixing, baking, and packaging. With simple explanations, cheerful illustrations, and a few healthy eating tips, it’s a great way to help farm kids (and their friends) connect what’s on their plate to the people and work behind it. A fun, fact-filled read that celebrates the hands that feed us.
FARMHER FAVORITE: Spud’s Day Out
Written by RanchHER Laura Tibbs Korus; Illustrated by Jess Bircham
AGES: 4-8 YEARS
A heartwarming story about the lovable Hereford bull and internet sensation, Spud the Bull! He sets off on an adventure where he is faced with many hardships. However, through these challenges, he finds positive self-discovery.
BEYOND THE BOOK: Meet the Real-Life Spud and His “Moom” RanchHER Laura Tibbs Korus
Bringing The Rain To Kapiti Plain
Written by Verna Aardema; Illustrated by Beatriz Vidal
AGES: 3-8 YEARS
In agriculture, common struggles like waiting for the rain are universal ones. Travel to Africa in this wonderful read-aloud that blends folklore, resilience, and reverence for the land. Told in the rhythmic, building style of The House That Jack Built, this lyrical tale follows Ki-pat, a young herdsman who brings rain to his drought-stricken homeland. With a steady beat and vibrant illustrations, this story introduces kids to the importance of water, weather, and hope during hard seasons—something farm families know all too well.
BEYOND THE BOOK: Read Along to Bringing The Rain To Kapiti Plain with James Earl Jones
Chickens To The Rescue
Written by John Himmelman
AGES: 4-8 YEARS
When things go wrong on the Greenstalk family farm—and they do, every day of the week—the chickens are on it! Whether it’s rescuing a watch from the well or whipping up dinner, these overachieving hens race in to save the day… until Sunday, that is. With lively illustrations packed full of hilarious details, this book is a laugh-out-loud favorite for little farm kids (and the grown-ups who’ve had those kinds of weeks). Because let’s face it—sometimes you do need your chickens to come to the rescue.
FARMHER FAVORITE: I LOVE Strawberries!
Written by Shannon Anderson
AGES: 4-8 YEARS
Meet Jolie, a determined little gardener with a big love for strawberries—and a mission to grow her own! Through laugh-out-loud journal entries and scrapbook-style pages, follow Jolie (and her bunny Munchy) as she talks her parents into letting her plant, tend, and harvest a strawberry patch. This award-winning book is as fun as it is informative, covering everything from pest management to the importance of ladybugs. It’s perfect for farm families teaching their kids the value of growing food, caring for plants, and seeing a project through from seedling to snack time. Whether you’re planning a garden, heading to a strawberry patch, or just love a strong-willed farm kid with dirt under her nails—Jolie’s got you covered.
BEYOND THE BOOK: Take I LOVE Strawberries! Off the Page with Extra Lessons + Activities
Pancakes, Pancakes
Written and Illustrated by Eric Carle
AGES: 4-8 YEARS
Before Jack can dig into a delicious pancake, he’s got some work to do—grinding flour, gathering eggs, milking the cow, churning butter, and chopping firewood. Sound familiar? In true Eric Carle fashion, this charming story walks young readers through the real steps behind a simple breakfast, reminding us that good food starts with hard work on the farm. Now available with a read-along CD narrated by Stanley Tucci, this colorful classic is a fun way to help kids understand (and appreciate) all the hands-on effort it takes to get food to the table. Perfect for the little helpers in your farm kitchen.
BEYOND THE BOOK: Read Along with Pancakes, Pancakes
FARM BOOKS FOR OLDER KIDS
For independent readers ready to explore deeper themes, these books introduce big ideas like sustainability, innovation, and the history of agriculture—all while keeping things fun and age-appropriate. Whether they’re curious about where food comes from or fascinated by life on the land, these picks are perfect for older elementary kids who want to read, learn, and maybe even grow something of their own.
Discover engaging farm-themed books for older kids that explore agriculture, sustainability, and rural life—ideal for ages eight to 18:
Food For The Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
Written by Mia Wenjen; Illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng
AGES: 5-8 YEARS
Take your young readers on an inspiring journey across the globe to see how people are growing food in sustainable, innovative ways—from rooftop gardens in cities to underwater farms in the sea. With rhyming text, easy-to-follow vocabulary, and engaging illustrations, this award-winning book makes the big topic of climate-smart farming accessible for kids. Perfect for farm families interested in sustainable agricultural practices and the future of food, it’s a hopeful, educational read that shows just how many ways there are to care for the land—and feed the world. This book is an excellent choice for kids curious about what farming looks like in places far beyond their fenceline.
FARMHER FAVORITE: Skippy Farm Dog of the Year
Written by Laura Adams and Anna-Maria Crum; Illustrated by Anna-Maria Crum
AGES: 5-11 YEARS
Told from the perspective of Skippy—a loyal service dog newly placed on a working farm—this heartwarming story follows her as she learns the ropes of ranch life and adjusts to her new family. From helping move cattle to lending a paw with daily chores, Skippy plays a vital role in supporting a disabled farmer and showing that every kind of help matters on the land.
A thoughtful, feel-good read that celebrates ability, teamwork, and the bond between humans and animals, Skippy the Service Dog is perfect for families who know just how much work (and love) a good farm dog brings to the table.
BEYOND THE BOOK: Meet Skippy, a Furry FarmHER + the 2024 Farm Dog of the Year!
ABC Book of Early Americana
Written by Eric Sloane
AGES: 5-18
Part history lesson, part folk art celebration, this beautifully illustrated A-to-Z book for all ages showcases the clever tools, traditions, and everyday innovations that shaped early American life—from almanacks and bathtubs to zig-zag fences and weathervanes. This book is a fascinating look at the roots of American self-reliance—and a reminder that great ideas often come from the barn, the field, or the kitchen. With hand-lettered captions and charming sketches, historian and artist Eric Sloane highlights the kind of rural craftsmanship and creativity still admired by those who live close to the land today. This title is for you if you’re passionate about antique shops, barn finds, and learning about your rural roots.
FARMHER FAVORITE: The Day the Farmers Quit
Written by Autumn Pequignotp; Illustrated by Kate Fallahee
AGES: 3-18
Tired of chores and rising before dawn, Farmer Bob and his friends decide to take a much-needed vacation. But without their hard work, the whole town begins to fall apart! One determined child sets out on a mission to bring the farmers home—and learns just how much communities depend on the people who grow their food and care for the land. Told in cheerful rhyme, this read-aloud favorite delivers a heartfelt message about the often-overlooked value of farmers. A great reminder for kids (and grown-ups) that without boots in the dirt, not much else runs right.
BEYOND THE BOOK: Dig Into The Day The Farmers Quit with Extra Lessons + Activities
- A Day Without Agriculture • Grades K – 2
- Thank You Farmers • Grades K – 2
- A Day Without Dairy • Grades 3 – 5
- A Day Without Agriculture • Grades 3 – 5
Ready for MORE? Sign up Your Child for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
If your little one loves stories about farming, food, animals, and adventure, don’t stop here—Sign them up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library! Kids receive a free book in the mail each month, handpicked to inspire a lifelong love of reading. It’s a fantastic way to build a home library and keep the farm-fueled curiosity growing strong. Because every farm kid deserves a bookshelf full of stories they can see themselves in.