Bookworm for Kids presents books for toddlers to teens and everything in between: board books, picture books, chapter books, middle grade reads, tween reads, and young adult literature.
Many of you will probably already know that my family runs a small farm. So, today's read grazes right down my...ummm...pasture? Plus, I love the little girl's cheeks on the cover as well as the fun animals.
I'm just going to dive right in, so let's go!
THE LITTLE REGENERATIVE FARMER
by Lauren Lovejoy
Illustrated by Yana Gorbatiyk
Picture Book
42 pages
ages 4 to 8
The story of one little girl's journey from falling in love with farm animals to starting her own backyard farm using Regenerative Agriculture techniques. This book is a perfect story of overcoming challenges to do what you love while helping improve the world. A must have for those who love the planet and support the regenerative agriculture movement!
This super cute girl's enthusiasm for animals and gardening is more than just a little contagious.
Lina's parents take her to visit a farm, and she immediately knows her biggest dream—to have one too! Her parents aren't quite on board with that. Still, she convinces them to allow her to have a few chickens...which doesn't run without problems, at first. But Lina's determination and desire to share with others might solve more problems than she's aware of.
First off, I adore the eyes on the chickens in these illustrations (important, right?). The illustrations are well done, adding just a pinch of whimsical to the more detailed scenes. Each animal is easy to identify, and Lina is simple cute with her big eyes and rosy cheeks. The love for nature and enthusiasm for farming is obvious on each page.
The story is just right for the intended age group and does make a nice read-aloud. It follows Lina build her 'farm' from beginning thoughts and through major problems, keeping it interesting and light the entire time. The read flows well, although it could use with a pinch more editing...but this doesn't overshadow the main aspects.
Farming is key, and this book shows how even a backyard can turn into a tiny food supplier. There's also a bit of neighborly friendliness, and demonstrates what hard work and a great attitude can achieve. It's sweet, inspiring, and a nice addition to groups or individuals who want to maybe explore the farming/gardening theme as a project, too. There are a few bits of information surrounding regenerative farming at the end of the book.
As a bonus, there is an accompanying coloring book available. This not only provides scenes for coloring but does give some information as well (very basic earthworm anatomy, basic explanation of agroforestry, rotational grazing, etc). These hit very briefly and lightly on each topic, and even these can be expanded and used in a larger project or theme.
We believe that regenerative farming is one of the most wonderful things you can do for the planet, your community, and nutritional health. We want kids to learn about where food comes from while empowering them to be the next generation of land stewards.
We are first generation farmers. Our farm is open to guests who want to visit and learn about farming. We have seen lots of young visitors excited about a future life in farming only to be deflated when they are reminded by the older generation "how hard farming is."
We hope this book will inspire and encourage potential farmers of all ages to pursue their interest in farming. Because yes, farming is hard - but it is also magical, fulfilling, and worthwhile beyond measure. The Little Regenerative Farmer exists to tell that story.
More about...
Regenerative Farmers of America is run by Lauren Lovejoy & Eric Conrad. First gen Regenerative Farmers in Virginia who are passionate about supporting grassroots farmers working to change the world.
“We had no intention of becoming farmers, but when we learned about the Regenerative Ag movement we jumped in with both feet. We love this movement and want everyone to know what Regen Ag is and how they can help! We are so excited to elevate other farms like ours working hard to do their best for their communities, customers, and the world.”
Lauren & Eric have a farm called “The Blue Horn” outside Blacksburg, VA. Stay at their Airbnb to experience their farm or visit their website to learn more!
I call this the 'itchy time of year'. It seems it's impossible to go outside without getting bug bites. This last week, I had to chase down a run-away pony and ended up leading him back almost a mile over pastures only to now be covered from head to toe in bites (none were tick, though). Today's review hits upon an often ignored disease, the Lyme disease.
Let's take a peek!
GRACE AND SCOUT
by Michele Morgan and
Lauren Lovejoy
Illustrated by Noelle Aly
Lyme Warrior
21 pages
ages 4 to 8
A story of friendship through Lyme Disease. Grace and Scout are very best friends. They build forts and sandcastles and play in the snow together. But one day Grace becomes sick and can’t come out and play with Scout any more. Scout is sad and misses his friend but he figures out a way to make Grace feel better . The story of Grace and Scout teaches children what true friendship is all about.
Friendship shines with tons of warmth in these pages, while the awareness of the Lyme Disease is spread.
Grace and Scout are very best friends and play outside together constantly. One day, Scout's mother tells him that Grace is sick, and that it will be awhile before she can play again. After learning a little about ticks and the Lyme Disease, he decides to make Grace something to cheer her up.
This is a book with a huge purpose: to spread the awareness of Lyme Disease. While in the tale there isn't really much information outside of ticks carrying the disease, spray to keep them off, and searching to make sure they are removed, the end of the book has quite a bit of information to help and inform. Which is great, since it raises awareness, while still keeping a story aimed at kids. But there's another purpose to this book, and that's support and friendship. Kids with Lyme Disease have an uphill battle, which removes them from their usual life. Friendship is key during this time, and this book allows that to shine....because not only Lyme Disease requires a friend's help.
The entire thing is written in rhyme, flows nicely, and works well for the intended audience. The friendship between Grace and Scout is impossible to miss, and Scout's desire to be there for her is warming. I was surprised that he didn't see her again until she was healthy and back in school, considering they were such great friends...but then, this works for those who are acquaintances and just want to offer a little support as well.
The illustrations are done in aquarelle and give a playful or more solemn atmosphere, as needed. The love in these is hard to miss.
This book is written to support those battling Lyme Disease, and the profits (in part, I believe) go to also found Smile Boxes, which are then delivered to the ill to give them a little added drop of happiness.
Want to learn more? You can go here:
https://lymewarrior.us/
Lyme Warrior
Every year 427,000+ people are diagnosed with Lyme Disease. Chronic symptoms can range from disabling to death. Testing is inaccurate and treatment is not covered by insurance. For our friends, family, and strangers who’s lives have been permanently changed by this disease, we work to find a CURE so that others will not have to live the hardship our community has lived. With your support, we can change the future of Lyme disease.
