Farm-tastic County Book Program

2026 – Sugarbush Spring

by Marsha Wilson Chall, illustrations by Jim Daly

In the month of the Maple Sugar Moon, the snow’s too wet for angel making, icicles rain from Grandpa’s porch roof, and something is stirring in the woods. It’s sugarbush spring—time to tap the trees, prepare the bottles, then gather round the cook fire to eat chicken and dumplings, roast marshmallows, and tell stories while the cold sap heats through, thickens, and boils to make syrup.

2025 – My Grandpa, My Tree and Me

by Roxanne Troup, illustrations by Kendra Binney

Of all the trees in Grandpa’s orchard, one tree is his favorite–a pecan tree, planted for his granddaughter on the day she was born. As the seasons change, the leaves unfurl and fall again while Grandpa tenderly cares for each tree in his orchard. Sometimes they need pruning, sometimes they need feeding. They all need harvesting, and the granddaughter loves watching the tractor hug the trees’ trunks and shake until leaves and twigs and pecans rain down. But not the child’s tree–her tree is special. It is not a part of the orchard. It’s for just the two of them and all the ways their relationship grows as they care for this special tree: tending its roots, harvesting its pecan treasures, and creating something delicious together.

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.

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