We encourage you to expand your children’s bookshelf with this trio of recommended picture books. The lively illustrations and accurate portrayal of farm life make them deserving of shelf space. When the cold winter winds blow, it’s a good time to share books with your young readers.
In Maple Syrup from the Sugarhouse by Laura Lazarro Knowlton, readers can walk through the process of making maple syrup with friends and family. We appreciate Knowlton’s accuracy. The work of tapping, gathering, and boiling done by multigenerational family groups is another positive feature. This would be a great book to share just prior to visiting a sugarhouse or after. From start to finish, you and your young reader will enjoy this book.
In Sleep Tight Farm by Eugenie Doyle readers walk through the chores farmers do to button up a farm for the winter. The farm is a diversified family operation with fruit, vegetables, hay, maple syrup and honey. This title excels at telling in a simple and friendly way, a farmer’s year round responsibilities to ensure the farm to table connection is successful.
In Before We Eat by Pat Brisson, illustrated by Mary Azarian, readers will be introduced to the even bigger picture of all the jobs involved in planting, harvesting, transporting, and merchandising food. The book encourages us to be thankful for the many hands involved in putting food on our table.
This link at NH Ag in the Classroom will be of interest to families hoping to explore maple syrup production further. There are a number of fun resources at this website. The NH Ag in the Classroom website has additional recommendations on children’s books that promote ag literacy.