The Charms of US Farms
Finding Out How Things Work
Book 1
By Raven Howell
The Charms of US Farms: Finding Out How Things Work, Book 1, is a delightful introduction to agriculture for young readers. With beautiful illustrations and simple vocabulary, the story follows a small class of children as they embark on an exciting school trip to two local farms.
Their first stop is a farm known for growing corn. As their guide, farmer Ms. Della explains to the children that farming has long played an important role in producing materials used in everyday life. The children learn that many plants grown by farmers are used to make clothing, and they discover the fascinating journey from plants to fabric and other everyday items.
Ms. Della also introduces the children to the world of dairy farming, explaining where milk, ice cream, and other dairy products come from. Her engaging approach allows the children not only to learn about farming but also to experience the warmth and hospitality of farm life, complete with homemade cookies and fresh milk.
Adding to the adventure, Ms. Della shows the class the farm's powerful machinery, including tractors and plows. As the children walk through the towering cornfields, they gain a new appreciation for the effort and hands-on labor involved in growing food.
Next, the children visit Mr. Dole’s farm, where they are welcomed by a lively collection of animals, especially barking dogs, clucking chickens, pigs, and, of course, cows. Introducing the children to his favorite cow, Bessie, Farmer Dole explains that while farming involves hands-on work and large heavy equipment, farming is also deeply connected to science. Scientific knowledge helps farmers care for their crops and animals, ultimately benefiting people everywhere.
Farmer Dole makes farming and its connection to science relatable for the children by comparing it to things they use and love every day. Farmer Dole tosses a baseball to one of the children and explains how the cotton used in the ball grows into a crop on a farm. Without properly taking care of the cotton crop through research and science, the crop wouldn't be healthy enough to produce items like baseball today.
This in itself is one of the true joys of learning and creating. By taking complex ideas and presenting them in ways children can understand and enjoy, we create active learners eager to pick up a book, find and research the information they need, and ask inquisitive questions.
Raven does a wonderful job of simplifying important concepts, introducing each topic just enough to spark curiosity and encourage young readers to ask those questions.
Picture books that inspire conversation are always a treasure. Watching those conversations grow, whether at home or in the classroom, is one of the greatest joys of sharing stories with children.
For more information on where to purchase a copy of The Charms of US Farms: Finding Out How Things Work, Book 1, please visit Raven’s website below, along with her other social media links.
Stay tuned for my sit-down interview right here with Raven Next Monday, March 16th!
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Until Next Time,
Enjoy the Moments, Cherish the Memories!
-Cynthia
Thank you so much for the insightful review and kind words! And I'm looking forward to following your blog. So many fun happenings and books in the literary communities!
ReplyDeleteThank you Raven. You are a pleasure to work with. I hope everyone stays tuned this Monday March 16th for the behind the scenes interview with you!
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