Farm-tastic County Book Program
What is the Farm-tastic Book Program?
The Farm-tastic Book Program was started by the PA State Women’s Leadership Committee in 2012 to promote agricultural literacy in the public libraries and elementary school libraries within Pennsylvania. The State Women’s Leadership Committee is encouraging the counties to be involved again this year in the Farm-tastic Book Program.
Our Farm-tastic Book Program generates excitement among students of all ages by offering them the opportunity to learn about agriculture through the pages of books. The State Women’s Leadership Committee encourages you to get involved in sharing the agricultural story this year in your county through the Farm-tastic Book Program.
2024 – Polly and the Birth Day
by D.H. Anderson and illustrations by Steven Lester
Waterdam Farm is a quiet and peaceful place in western PA. where horses, cats, and a dog roam and play. One crisp February morning, a new horse arrives, making the animals very curious. Polly is a retired racehorse and something about her is rather peculiar. She is round and moves very slowly. The farm animals quickly welcomed her. Then news spreads throughout the barn that Polly will soon be a new mom! In the spring, she gives birth to a tiny filly, welcome to the world Lady Thistle! Based on a true story, this book opens a series about the adventures of a baby horse. The book includes “Did You Know” facts pages. The contributing boarded equine veterinarian and an award-winning Illustrator add to the solid information based story which is described as “an intriguing look at life on a horse farm from the perspective of the farm family as well as the horses and other farm animals.
DH Anderson is available for school readings and other events as donated time toward encouraging interest in reading for young students as well as writing and illustrating.
Questions regarding the
Farm-Tastic Book Program
Contact your state committee
representative or
2023 – From Seed to Plant
By Gail Gibbons
Flowers, trees, fruits—plants are all around us, but where do they come from?
With simple language and bright illustrations, non-fiction master Gail Gibbons introduces young readers to the processes of pollination, seed formation, and germination. Important vocabulary is reinforced with accessible explanation and colorful, clear diagrams showing the parts of plants, the wide variety of seeds, and how they grow.
2022 – Barn at Night
by Michelle Houts and illustrated by Jen Betton
“In Barn at Night, readers discover the certain magic of a farm in the quiet predawn hours,” said Foundation for Agriculture executive director Daniel Meloy. “It is our hope that this book will illustrate the dedication of farmers and ranchers in caring for their animals, day in and day out, long before the rest of the world springs to life.”
This heartwarming yet true-to-life tale, written by Michelle Houts and illustrated by Jen Betton, invites readers along as a father and daughter go out to the barn on a cold winter night and are welcomed with an enchanting scene. The pair discover who is awake, who is asleep, and who is just making their first appearance in the barn.
Barn at Night is now available for purchase through any
Womens’ Leadership Committee state or local member.
Cost is $10.00
2021 – What’s in the Garden?
by Marianne Berkes and illustrations by Cris Arbo
Learning about fruits and vegetables becomes fun in What’s in the Garden? This book serves as a garden tool for kids and doubles as a healthy cookbook, with tons of kid-friendly recipes for you to cook with your child. Children at home this summer will be inspired learn about the world around us!
Good food doesn’t begin on a store shelf with a box, it comes from a garden bursting with life, color, sounds, smells, sunshine, moisture, birds, and bees!
Help lead Pennsylvania Agriculture