Celebrating National Farmer’s Day: 11 Children's Books About Farming to Cultivate Young Gardeners
- Helping Kids Rise
- Oct 9
- 4 min read
Planting Seeds of Awareness
Every year on National Farmer’s Day, we celebrate the people who grow our food, nurture our soil, and care for the land that sustains us all. For children, it’s the perfect moment to explore where food comes from—and to discover how farming connects us to community, culture, and care for the planet.
This year, we’re spotlighting 11 beautifully written picture books that introduce young readers to farming, gardening, and sustainability. These stories nurture curiosity about nature and honor the deep relationship between people and the land.
Whether your child dreams of growing their own garden, enjoys nature walks, or simply loves learning how things grow, these books will spark wonder and pride in caring for the earth.
Why National Farmer’s Day Matters
Observed each year on October 12, National Farmer’s Day recognizes the hard work of farmers—past, present, and future—who keep our tables full and our communities thriving. It’s also a great opportunity to talk with children about food systems, environmental care, and how every seed planted has the potential to nourish more than just the body—it feeds the world around us.
When children see stories that include diverse families, Black farmers, and characters who care for the environment, they learn that sustainability belongs to everyone. These books help expand what young readers imagine when they picture a “farmer”—and invite them to see themselves as part of that story.
Cultivating Young Gardeners Through Story
Below you’ll find 11 powerful picture books that bring farming and gardening to life through colorful illustrations, lyrical storytelling, and inspiring characters. From backyard gardens to urban farms, these stories highlight curiosity, cooperation, and connection to the land. Each title offers an entry point for meaningful family conversations—about patience, hard work, environmental awareness, and gratitude for the food we eat. For your convenience, we’ve included publisher’s summaries with each book to help you choose the right titles for your family, classroom, or library.
The author of Nigel and the Moon, delivers a tender intergenerational story inspired by his childhood in the rural south. Here's a farm stand that represents the importance of family, community, and hope.
Amara searches for pumpkins on her farm in this vibrant exploration of gardening and healthy eating, from the Where in the Garden? series.
There is a lot to do on the family farm! Read along in this sturdy board book perfect for children ages 0-3 as a boy helps his grandfather in this next installment of the Brown Baby Parade series.
How does this city garden grow? With help from L’il Sissy and her siblings--and love, love, love! A celebration of nature, family, and food.
There’s nothing like stepping into a garden and connecting with nature, and readers will revel in the pages of this beautiful picture book that celebrates these wondrous and inspiring places!
Discover the incredible true story of how one of history's most successful potato farmers began life as a slave and worked until he was named the "Potato King of the World"!
In her grandmother's garden, a young Black girl learns about mindfulness and herbal medicine in this soothing intergenerational story about our connection to nature.
Enjoy this tribute to Former First Lady Michelle Obama and her contributions to building the healthy future that America's children deserve.
Marcus Bridgewater, also known as the social media sensation Garden Marcus, shows kids the lessons he learned in his grandma's garden when he was growing up.
Discover the incredible true story of Harlem Grown, a lush garden in New York City that grew out of an abandoned lot and now feeds a neighborhood.
In this companion to the bestselling nonfiction picture book Harlem Grown about the real-life urban community farm featured on Humans of New York, it’s harvest time for the employees and volunteers that tend the lush garden.
National Farmer's Day Activities for Kids
After reading these books, try one of these simple, hands-on activities with your child or students:
🌱 Plant Something Together: Start a windowsill herb garden or sprout beans in a jar to watch roots and stems grow.
🪴 Visit a Local Farm or Market: Meet local growers and talk about how fruits and vegetables get from soil to table.
🍎 Cook a “Harvest Meal”: Choose a simple recipe using fresh produce and talk about the journey each ingredient takes.
🧺 Compost or Recycle Together: Teach the concept of returning nutrients to the earth and reducing waste.
🌻 Keep a Garden Journal: Encourage children to draw, write, or photograph their growing plants over time.
These small actions make big impressions, showing kids that caring for the earth begins with curiosity and consistency.
Looking for more read aloud ideas? Visit these fabulous book lists:
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