6 Picture Books for Fierce Little Farmers
September 4, 2025 ● Written by Lisa Adib
These outstanding picture books about farming are a delightful way to introduce children to where their food comes from, how it’s grown, and how they can roll up their sleeves and get involved themselves. By exploring agricultural themes, these stories can plant the seed for lifelong curiosity in environmental and food-related topics.
Many of them also highlight that farming isn’t just about growing food, but also about growing as individuals and as a community.
Secret Gardeners
By Lina Laurent, illustrated by Maija Hurme
Translated from Swedish by Sofia Karlsson & Jen Pulju Porter
On one of their expeditions in the city, Luna, Bianca, and Billy come across a mysterious lot overgrown with greenery. There, they meet Amy, who spends most of her time knee-deep in soil, and they are taken under her wing. She teaches them everything she knows about urban farming, resulting in a stunning blend of fiction and non-fiction. This makes it a perfect read for older children, as the book teaches about sustainable gardening principles in an engaging way.
Reading age: 6-10
Anywhere Farm
By Phyllis Root, illustrated by G. Brian Karas
The title says it all. This book breaks the stereotype that farming has to involve driving a tractor and owning vast fields of land. Farming can truly be done anywhere and everywhere. You just have to think outside the plot. Instead of focussing on tools and land, it asks what is truly needed to make something grow. Lovely illustrations draw the reader in, while catchy rhymes keep them engaged and make them want to revisit the story again and again. It’s a testament to the simple pleasure of watching something you planted with your own two hands thrive.
Reading age: 0-6
Zora’s Zucchini
By Katherine Pryor, illustrated by Anna Raff
One day, Zora goes to the shop and can’t resist: She must buy those zucchini plants. They grow and grow, producing more zucchinis than she could have ever imagined. But how will she eat all those zucchinis? She comes up with increasingly creative ways to use up her harvest. Along the way, she not only learns what it takes to grow a plant but also discovers how to bring her neighborhood closer together.
Reading age: 0-6
Farmer Eva’s Green Garden Life
By Jacqueline Briggs Martin, illustrated by Christy Hale
Afterword by Eva Sommaripa
This biographical picture book focuses on farmer Eva Sommaripa. Often, women are overlooked in the farming world despite their tremendous impact on community building and land stewardship. On a few acres of land in Massachusetts, USA, Eva began by growing just a few herbs, which slowly expanded into something much larger. Now, 50 years later, she has become a farming legend. The artwork in collage style reminds of textures and tones in farm life, immersing readers in the beauty of working the land and living in harmony with nature.
Reading age: 4-8
I Am Farmer: Growing An Environmental Movement in Cameroon
By Baptiste & Miranda Paul, illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon
In this uplifting picture book biography, readers follow the inspiring journey of Cameroonian environmentalist Farmer Tantoh. Vibrant illustrations bring the ups and downs of his story to life. Farmer Tantoh’s love for gardening began in the cradle, nurtured by the encouragement of his grandmother. Through his wit and knowledge, he not only revolutionised water management – preventing countless illnesses – but also transformed how farming is perceived by many Cameroonians. This story highlights the importance of courage and persistence in driving the organic farming movement.
Reading age: 4-8
The Farm That Feeds Us: A Year in the Life of an Organic Farm
By Nancy Castaldo, illustrated by Ginnie Hsu
Offering a detailed look at different farming techniques and activities throughout the seasons, this book introduces children to the world of organic farming. It also takes a more critical approach at times, raising awareness about the ethical issues surrounding industrial farming, while mainly focusing on organic practices. Perfect for children who can read independently but also an excellent choice for reading aloud. The charming colored pencil illustrations bring the farm’s inhabitants and plants to life, adding warmth to the pages. The book provides an accessible introduction to the farm-to-table concept, explaining the mechanics of the supply chain. It’s ideal for children eager to learn about every step involved in growing and producing food.
Reading age: 6-10
Lisa Adib
Contributor
Lisa Adib is a workshop leader and literacy advocate from Düsseldorf, Germany. Currently, she is pursuing her Master of Science in Vienna, Austria, researching social inclusion in urban gardens. She is passionate about environmental education and cares deeply for nature and all its inhabitants. In her free time, she creates zines about her life, reads anything she can get her hands on, and spends time outdoors. Her favourite animal? Bunnies, of course!
