New Jersey Farm Bureau®
Working to protect farmers - Now and for the future.

Title

Author

Description

Age Range

All About Turkeys

Arnosky, Jim

GR 2 - 4

Amazing Grazing

Peterson, Cris; Upitis, Alvis

"The author and photographer visited three Montana ranchers who recently won awards for their efforts to heal and protect the West's largest renewable resource-grass. Environmentalists and ranchers are often at odds over the use of western grasslands; overgrazing has had detrimental effects on both the land and wildlife. Short chapters describe the environmentally friendly conservation plans that the ranches developed that allow them to sustain successful beef herds. The wildlife and environmental benefits of the plans are also noted. Beautiful color photography enhances this well-researched text." – (SLJ)

GR 4 –6

American Family Farm, The

Ancona, George; Anderson, Joan

The authors "have chosen three families with which to document daily work on a farm and to explore . . . questions concerning the future of agriculture: the MacMillans of Massachusetts, inter-generational dairy farmers; the Adamses of Georgia, who are part of a co-op of black farmers; and the Rosmanns of Iowa, grain/hog farmers who are outspoken advocates of farming without pesticides and fertilizers." (SLJ)

GR 5 -8

Apple Tree Through the Year, An

Schnieper, Claudia

"While tracing the development of an apple tree from bud to fruit, Schnieper also follows the progress of an apple tree through the four seasons, detailing the yearly growth cycle and examining the ecosystem of the entire apple orchard. {Glossary. Index.}

GR 3 - 6

Apples

Gibbons, Gail

Explains how apples were brought to America, how they grow, their traditional uses and cultural significance, and some of the varieties grown.

GR Pre-K - 2

Barnyard Banter

Fleming, Denise

AGES 2 -6

Beef

Cooper, Jason

Describes where and how North American beef cattle are raised, slaughtered, processed, and marketed.

GR 1 - 3

Big Red Barn

Wise Brown, Margaret

AGES 2 -6

Bread Is for Eating

Gershator, David & Phillis

GR Pre-K

Buried Treasure: Roots and Tubers

Sayles Hughes, Meredith

In the introduction, photosynthesis and the domestication of plants are discussed. The general outline of each of the following chapters presents early history, cultivation, processing, and importance in diet of the individual foods. Relates the history and describes the use and production of such roots and tubers as potatoes, yams, cassava, carrots, beets, turnips, radishes, and parsnips. Includes recipes.

GR 4 -8

Cereals, Nuts, and Spices

Fitzsimons, Cecelia

Part of the "All About Food" series. Provides information about various kinds of cereal grains, nuts, and spices, as well as some advice on growing them and activities and recipes using them.

GR 4-8

Chicken or the Egg

Fowler, Allan

This book looks at the physical characteristics, breeds, and habits of chickens and at how modern poultry farms produce eggs and chickens.

GR K -2

Christmas Tree Farm

Jordan, Sandra

In text and photographs, the author examines the running of a "family-owned-and-operated Christmas tree farm. . . . Janice and Leo Clark, helped by . . . children, grandchildren, and day workers, run Clark's Tree Farm. The Clarks are photographed planting the tiny fir seedlings, marking and pruning the adult trees, preparing and decorating the 'selling shack' for the Christmas rush, and helping . . . friends and customers find and cut the perfect tree to take home and decorate for the holidays.

GR Pre-K - 2

Color Farm

Ehlert, Lois

A companion book to "Color Zoo". Children will find farm animals hiding in familiar colors and shapes as they turn page after brilliantly colored page. Basic concepts combined with the enjoyment of creating a barnyard full of animals make Color Farm a winner in preschools and at home… "Elegant pizazz'' might best describe this latest concept book of shapes and colors. (SLJ)

AGES 2 -5

Cool as a Cucumber, Hot as a Pepper: Fruit Vegetables

Sayles Hughes, Meredith

In the introduction, photosynthesis and the domestication of plants are discussed. The general outline of each of the following chapters presents early history, cultivation, processing, and importance in diet of the individual foods. Discusses the history and uses of plants that are normally thought of as vegetables but share some of the traits of fruits, such as tomatoes, avocados, squash, and peppers. Includes recipes.

GR 4 -8

Corn

Landau, Elaine

Examines the history, cultivation, and uses of corn.

GR 3 - 4

Corn- On and Off the Cob

Fowler, Allan

"In text and illustrations, this title in the Rookie Read-About Science series examines corn kernels, corn on the cob, and popcorn, then other foods that use corn as an ingredient: tortillas, corn flakes, and jelly beans. {Index.}" (Booklist)

GR K –2

Cow (A), a Bee, a Cookie, and Me

Hooper, Meredith

What do cows, bees, and the bark of trees have to do with the honey cookies Ben bakes with his grandmother? In this full-color book, Ben not only gets a baking lesson but also learns about the natural world. A delicious blend of picture book fiction and nonfiction facts, plus the added bonus of the author's grandmother's recipe for cookies!

GR Pre-K - 1

Cranberries: Fruit of the Bogs

Burns, Diane L.

This photo essay begins with a history of cranberries (known as ibimi) among "the Algonquin people and Native Americans today. Burns {then} discusses the cranberry's growth cycle and the commercial processes used to produce them. The story of the plant's cycle is told through a visit with two Wisconsin families. {Glossary. Index.}

GR 3 - 6

Day in the Life of a Commercial Fisherman, A

Gaskin, Carol; Klein, John F.

Follows a commercial fisherman through his day as he prepares his boat for a two-week fishing trip, leaves port in the Gulf of Mexico, operates navigational equipment and a sonar "fish finder," and unloads the day's catch.

GR 5 -8

Day in the Life of a Veterinarian, A

Bowman-Kruhm, Mary

Follows a veterinarian as she makes house calls to take care of a variety of animals.

GR K -2

Each Orange Had 8 Slices: A Counting Book, Vol. 1

Giganti, Paul

If each orange has 8 slices and each slice has 2 seeds, how many seeds are there in all? You'll have fun wether you multiply, add or count your way through the math puzzles hiding in the world all around you. Dynamic illustrations and appealing words combine to introduce beginning math concepts and reinforce visual literacy.

GR K -3

Eating Fractions

McMillan, Bruce

GR Pre-K -2

Eating the Alphabet

Ehlert, Lois

In brilliant watercolor collages, Lois Ehlert introduces young readers to a wide variety of fruits and vegetables from A to Z. Clearly labeled and easy to identify, the favorites in the collection include apples, bananas, potatoes, and tomatoes--as well as some less common edibles. A glossary at the end provides interesting facts about each food. An American Bookseller's "Pick of the Lists; " Booklist Editors' Choice; Parenting Magazine Reading Magic Award.

AGES 1-4

Eggs

Llewellyn, Claire

What's for Lunch series. Provides simplified descriptions of the production, storage and transport, nutritional value, and uses of eggs. Includes a brief discussion of the poultry-raising techniques used. Contains excellent photographs and useful glossaries and indexes.

GR 1 - 2

Extra Cheese, Please!: Mozzarella’s Journey from Cow to Pizza

Peterson, Chris

In photographs and text, this book introduces "dairying and cheese making. Using her own farm as an example, Peterson describes the care and feeding of dairy cattle, the milking process, and the steps involved in producing mozzarella cheese. {Bibliography.}

GR 1 - 3

Farm Animals

Dorling Kindersley Publishing Staff

Illustrated with gloriously sharp, vivid color photographs. Animals and their cute-as-a-button offspring waddle, cluck, sniff, romp and tumble. A few short sentences on each page offer zoological fundamentals and simple captions.

GR Pre-K

Farm: Thematic Unit

Teacher Created Materials

Activities for early childhood with farm theme. REPRODUCIBLE.

GR K - 1

Farmer Through History, The

Chrisp, Peter

Examines the various crops, farming methods, and equipment used by farmers throughout history, from the earliest communities in the Middle East to modern mechanized farms.

GR 5 -8

Farmers

Ready, Dee

Part of the "Community Helpers" series - emphasizes the helping aspects of farmers. Using large, easy-to-read type and bold photographs, the book provides information suitable for social studies units. Explains the clothing, tools, schooling, and work of farmers.

GR 1 –3

Farms

Richardson, Adele

Examines the importance, structures, equipment, operations, and different kinds of farms.

GR 1 -4

Farms Feed the World

Sullivan Hill, Lee

A simple introduction to the beauty and variety of farms, from a wheat field in Montana to the harvesting of seaweed from the ocean.

GR K - 2

Fisheries

Gish, Melissa

GR 3 -6

Fishing

Love, Ann; Drake, Jane

America at Work series. Introduces young children to the people, machines and environmental concerns involved in fishing industry. Fishing explains how fish farmers in Maine raise salmon and halibut, and traces the fascinating life journey of a wild salmon in Alaska. Combining fact and fiction with colorful illustrations, these stories deliver an early lesson in appreciating and protecting our natural resources.

GR 2 -5

Forestry

Love, Ann; Drake, Jane

Logs for the fireplace, paper for airplanes and school projects, the very houses in which we dwell we owe to wondrous trees. How often do we stop and think about how this happens and what the impact is on our environment? Cameron and his uncle do just that in this informational tour of the felling, harvesting, and replanting of trees and the equipment and manpower it takes to get the job done.

GR 2 - 5

From Cow to Ice Cream

Knight, Bertram T.

Describes, in text and photographs, how milk is made into a special treat loved by children.

GR K - 2

From Plant to Blue Jeans: A Photo Essay

L’Hommedieu, Arthur John

Describes, in text and photographs, the process of making blue jeans from the harvesting of cotton through the weaving of cloth and sewing the finished product.

GR K - 2

From Wheat to Pasta

Egan, Robert

Describes, in text and photographs, the steps in making various kinds of pasta from growing and harvesting the wheat through the grinding of the flour to making the dough and shaping the final product.

GR K - 2

Gifford Pinchot: American Forester

Anderson, Peter

At the turn of the century, North America was so rich in forests that the strict foresting rules governing European lumbering seemed unnecessary However, Gifford Pinchot had the foresight to champion foresting in the U.S. and prevent a lumber crisis akin to the one occurring overseas. This book examines the life of this remarkable man from his Pennsylvania childhood to his reign as America's chief forester.

GR 4 -6

Glorious Grasses: The Grains

Sayles Hughes, Meredith

In the introduction, photosynthesis and the domestication of plants are discussed. The general outline of each of the following chapters presents early history, cultivation, processing, and importance in diet of the individual foods. Discusses how humans have cultivated and used various grains, including wheat, rice, corn, millet, oats, barley, and rye and the nutritional value of these cereal products. Includes recipes.

GR 4 -8

Goats

Swan Miller, Sara

Describes the physical traits, lifestyle, and behavior of goats and their role in providing humans with milk.

GR 3 - 4

Going Lobstering

Pallotta, Jerry

GR K -3

Growing Things

Wilkes, A.

This colourful series of make-and-do books contains carefully chosen projects which encompass a wide range of basic practical skills. They work well, are easy to follow and most important, they are fun to do. The charming step-by-step illustrations will encourage children to try out new ideas and to attempt to make things on their own.

GR 2 -4

Harvest Year

Peterson, Chris

Most people think of autumn as the time of harvest, but in the United States, the harvesting of food takes place all year long. From carrots in January to strawberries in April to watermelons in July, there is a wonderful and constant diversity of crops. Stunning color photos and a clear and simple text take the reader through the calendar year and show the crops growing and being harvested.

GR 2 - 6

Hold the Anchovies!: A Book about Pizza

Rotner, Shelley; Pemberton Hellums, Julia

Mouthwatering photographs and a crisp, engaging text take the reader step-by-step through the pizza-making process--from what fields and tomato vines to steaming ovens and happy faces. To top it all off, there's a delicious pizza recipe included at the end.

GR Pre-K - 2

Honey Makers, The

Gibbons, Gail

This picture book examines the physical structure of honeybees and how they live in colonies, as well as how they produce honey and are managed by beekeepers.

GR 1 - 4

Honeybee’s Busy Day

Fowler, Richard

Honeybee does not let anything distract her as she gathers nectar from the summer flowers to make into honey. A novelty picture-book in which very young children follow the story by moving Honeybee from page to page through specially-designed slots, as she flies on a winding word-path that takes her from flower to flower, from friend to friend, and finally home to her hive.

AGES 3 -6

I Eat Fruit!

Tofts, Hannah

This stunning book goes far beyond just naming familiar food -- fruit is seen and described as never before! The imaginative mix of illustrations and photography on each spread gives the name of the fruit, while full-page foldouts allow children to find out what's on the inside.

AGES 2 -4

I Eat Vegetables!

Tofts, Hannah

This stunning book goes far beyond just naming familiar food – vegetables are seen and described as never before! The imaginative mix of illustrations and photography on each spread gives the name of the vegetable, while full-page foldouts allow children to find out what's on the inside.

AGES 2 -4

Ice Cream

Jaspersohn, William

"Looking at a small Vermont manufacturer, Ben & Jerry's, Jaspersohn describes in text and black-and-white photographs how ice cream is made, from cow to cone.

GR 3 - 7

If It Weren’t for Farmers

Fowler, Allan

Briefly describes some of the work that is done on different types of farms and the foods that are produces there.

GR K -2

Janice VanCleave’s Plants: Mind-Boggling Experiments You Can Turn Into Science Fair Projects

Pratt VanCleave, Janice

Using the popular VanCleave experiment format, this educational and fun book answers such questions as why are plant leaves green? What are the parts of a flower? How do plants make seeds? Covers all important plant topics including effects of light, absorption of water, plant cells, seedling development, reproduction, and growth. Features 20 complete experiments, plus numerous additional projects and activities, and scores of ideas for successful science fair projects.

GR 3 -6

Life on a Pig Farm

Wolfman, Judy

Describes the experiences of a young girl as she raises pigs as part of a 4-H project.

GR 2 – 5

Little Calf

Lewis, Kim

Katie watches as the newborn calf on her farm takes its first wobbly steps and then skitters back to its mother to drink her milk.

AGES 2 -4

Living on Farms

Fowler, Allan

GR K -2

Milk Makers, The

Gibbons, Gail

In The Milk Makers, Gail Gibbons begins with the cow, describing its four-stomach method of producing milk, how it is milked on a modern dairy farm, and then how milk is transported to a dairy plant, processed, and loaded onto refrigerated trucks - with other dairy products - for delivery to stores. Crisp, colorful pictures.

GR K - 2

Oliver’s Vegetables

French, Vivian

GR Pre-K – 1

Opportunities in Farming and Agriculture Careers

Collins, Donald; White, William C.

Insights into the changing face of farming and agriculture-and how it affects your career options. Discussion of critical environmental issues facing today's agricultural communities. Detailed descriptions of the many diverse career paths available Up-to-date information on the expanding roles of research, technology, and international markets.

GR 8 -12

Orchard, The

Sanchez, Isidro; Peris, Carmen

Preschool children are introduced to plant life, both in its cultivated forms, and as it is found in the wild. Beautiful, full-page and full-color illustrations, plus an easy-to-comprehend text make these books wonderful introductions to nature. Each volume contains a section for parents and teachers on back pages, suggesting how they can answer questions children might pose about plant life. Explains about fruit trees, what they produce, and how they grow.

AGES 3 -6

Peas

Llewellyn, Claire

What's for Lunch series. Provides simplified descriptions of the production, storage and transport, nutritional value, and use of peas. Includes a brief discussion of the agricultural techniques used. Contains excellent photographs and useful glossaries and indexes.

GR 1 - 2

Picking Peas for a Penny

Medearis, Angela S.

Angeline and John are off on a pea-picking race. Grandfather has promised them a penny for every pound of peas they pick on a hot summer day during the Depression. But what can the children buy for just a few pennies? Lot's of things." . . . this rollicking, rhyming text . . . provides an upbeat, historical portrait of an African-American farm family."--Booklist.

GR 1 -3

Pigs

Brady, Peter

Introduces pigs by describing their physical characteristics, where they live, what they eat, their special skills, and what they provide for people.

GR K - 2

Pigs

Swan Miller, Sara

Describes the physical traits, lifestyle, and behavior of pigs and their role in providing humans with meat.

GR 3 - 4

Pigs

Gibbons, Gail

Examines the basic characteristics, common breeds, intelligence, behavior, life cycle, and uses of pigs.

GR K - 3

Portrait of a Farm Family

Bial, Raymond

Focusing on the Steidinger family, who live and work on an Illinois dairy farm, "Bial explores the specifics of milking, raising feed-lot calves, and cutting silage and discusses the factors to be weighed before buying expensive equipment or choosing a particular kind of animal to raise."

GR 3 -7

Potato

Watts, Barrie

Describes in simple terms and illustrations how the potato develops from a shoot to a plant with the edible parts growing underground.

GR K – 3

Potato: A Tale from the Great Depression

Lied, Kate

GR Pre-K - 2

Poultry

Cooper, Jason

Describes where and how North American poultry is raised, what poultry products are, and how they are processed and marketed.

GR 1 -3

Pumpkin Book, The

Gibbons, Gail

GR K - 3

Pumpkin, Pumpkin

Titherington, Jeanne

AGES 2 -7

Ranching

Wrobel, Scott

Describes what is involved in raising beef cattle and how ranchers feed, care for, transport, and sell their livestock.

GR 1 - 4

Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf

Ehlert, Lois

GR Pre-K -2

Science Fair Success With Plants

Perry, Phyllis Jean

Twenty-five experiments demonstrating the structure, environmental needs, and life processes of plants. This volume presents investigations that will help the young scientist learn about the plant world. The experiments use simple and inexpensive materials that are available around the home or school. Experiments are outlined in detail and lists of materials are supplied for each one. Safety warnings are also included with the experiments. Most experiments are excellent ideas for science fair projects.

GR 5 –8

Science With Plants

Unwin, Mike

This lively book is packed with exciting science activities which encourage children to explore the intriguing nature of plants. Readers can find out how to change the color of a leaf, how to tell the age of a tree and why a seedling always grows the right way up. All the experiments and tricks are safe to do, using only ordinary household equipment.

GR 1 –3

Scientists Who Study Plants

Higginson, Mel

Describes what plant scientists (botanists) do, kinds of plants scientists, where they work, their importance, and careers in plant science.

GR 1 –3

Seed Grows, A: My First Look at a Plant’s Life Cycle

Hickman, Pamela

GR Pre-K - 1

Sheep

Swan Miller, Sara

Describes the physical traits, lifestyle, and behavior of sheep and their role in providing humans with wool and meat.

GR 3 - 4

Sheep

Brady, Peter

Introduces the farm animal that is raised for its meat and for its woolly coat. Includes a brief explanation of how to make yarn.

GR K – 2

Soil

Bryant-Mole, Karen

A discussion of soil including its composition, care, role as a home for insects and animals, and as a way of feeding the world. Offering information in a simple, lively, easy-to-understand manner, "Soil" presents facts and then asks questions or suggests projects that children might do on their own. A "More Things to Do" page and "Notes for Parents and Teachers" are appended; the latter explains activities, concepts, and terms.

GR 1 – 3

Stinky and Stringy: Bulb and Stem Vegetables

Sayles Hughes, Meredith

In the introduction, photosynthesis and the domestication of plants are discussed. The general outline of each of the following chapters presents early history, cultivation, processing, and importance in diet of the individual foods. Describes historical origins, use, and growing requirements of garlic, onions, shallots, and leeks (members of the allium family) as well as celery, asparagus, and rhubarb. Includes recipes.

GR 4 -8

Strawberry

Coldrey, Jennifer

Photographs, drawings, and text on two levels of difficulty describe how the strawberry plant produces juicy strawberries and sends out runners to start new plants.

GR 1 – 3

Tomatoes

Landau, Elaine

Examines the history, cultivation, and uses of tomatoes.

GR 3 - 4

Tractor

Llewellyn, Claire

Part of the "Mighty Machines" series. The tractor is the most important machine on the farm. After reading this book any youngster will know several different functions of the tractor from preparing the soil to harvesting the crops. Realistic photographs combined with illustrations put the size and power of these machines into perspective for young readers.

GR 1 -3

Turkeys: Barnyard Friends

Cooper, Jason

GR 1-3

Unearthing Garden Mysteries

Talmadge, Ellen

What whets the appetite of the Venus Flytrap? Does clover sleep on its stomach or its back? Are there likeable lichens? Can worms live in condos? These questions and more are answered in Ellen Talmage’s mind-tingling book of garden experiments. In more than 20 classroom-tested projects, kids can delve into the scientific processes and personalities of garden life. The author also offers a glossary of scientific terms, suggestions for journal observations, and recommendations for further reading. In emphasizing the importance of observation, analysis, and respect for living things, Ms. Talmage gives the young gardener not only the joy of hands-on learning, but also lifelong skills. This book is ideal for schools with instructional gardens or hands-on life science units.

GR 4 -7

Unraveling Fibers

Keeler, Patricia A.; McCall, Francis X.

Fibers, knitted or woven, make our clothes, sheets, towels, and curtains. Hundreds of full-color photos reveal what fibers look like up close, the plants and animals they come from, and the steps necessary to process fiber into yarn to make clothing and other textiles. . The final section focuses on research designed to induce the growth of polymers in plants (biotechnology).

GR 3 - 6

Vegetables, Vegetables

Robinson, Fay

Rookie Read-About Series. In text and photographs, this title shows various plants growing on farms and in gardens as well as being cut, cooled, served, and eaten.

GR K – 2

We Need Farmers

Schaefer, Lola M.

"This very simple format book (45 words) introduces beginning readers to people in the community and explains their roles. A full color photograph accompanies the straightforward statement on the right-hand page. In this book kids learn where farmers work and a little about the type of work they do. The photographs contain as much, if not more, information than the text. There is a table of contents, advice to parents and teachers, glossary, bibliography that includes at least three references and a similar number of Internet sites, and index/word list. This title in the "Helpers in Our Community" series has the look and feel of a regular reference book and is designed for emergent readers." – Children’s Literature

GR Pre-K –1

Wheat We Eat, The

Fowler, Allan

Discusses the growing, processing, and eating of wheat, one of the most common types of grain in the United States.

GR K – 2

Where Food Comes From

Hinshaw Patent, Dorothy

The author addresses the origins of foods "such as fruits and vegetables, grains, meats, poultry, fish, dairy products and mixed foods. The volume discusses which parts of plants and animals we use and the particular nutrients and minerals each contains." Shows how all food--grains, vegetables, fruits, and dairy and meat products--begins on the farm as sun, earth, air, and water combine to grow plants.

GR 3 – 6

Women In Agricultural Science Careers

Kahn, Jetty

Profiles of five different women with careers in the field of agricultural science. Introduction defines agricultural science, the specialty careers available in agricultural science, and required education to work in these fields. Includes glossary and resources for more information.

GR 3 –6