Are you looking for the best farm theme books to read in your preschool, pre-k, or kindergarten classroom? Preschoolers have long been fascinated with learning about the farm and farm animals. There are so many important topics we can teach through a farm theme, such as animals, sequencing, stories, and even science!
Preschool Farm Theme Books
Mrs. Wishy-Washy’s Farm by Joy Cowley – Mrs. Wishy-Washy just loves to scrub all the animals on the farm. Only this time the animals aren’t standing for it. Duck, Cow, and Pig rebel, leaving mean old Mrs. Wishy-Washy for the big city!
Down on the Farm by Merrily Kutner – Down on the farm, the roosters call, the horses neigh, the chicks won’t sleep, the pig snorts “oink,” and the cats powwow! This book features rhyming and repetitive text that invites children to join in and have fun!
Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown – By the big red barn in the great green field, There was a pink pig who was learning to squeal. Perhaps the most beloved farm classic around, Big Red Barn is a must for every parent and teacher’s book collection.
Barnyard Banter by Denise Fleming – It’s another noisy morning on the farm, and all of the animals are where they should be — except Goose. And where is Goose? Young children will enjoy clucking, mucking, mewing, and cooing while they search for Goose on every gorgeously illustrated spread. Packed full of rhythm, rhyme, and onomatopoeia- Barnyard Banter is the perfect choice for learning and fun with young children.
Farmer Duck by Martin Waddell – A whimsical tale of overworked Farmer Duck and the barnyard friends who come to his rescue with a simple yet heroic plan. Your kids will delight in the phrase “How goes the work?” well beyond the first reading of this gem!
Books About the Farm for Preschoolers
On the Farm by David Elliott – The cozy watercolor illustrations from Caldecott illustrator Holly Meade capture the nostalgic era of the family farm. The snake “Coils in the garden like a spring or the wild and winding melody he hears but cannot sing.”
Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle – A muddy country road is no match for this little pick up. Luckily, Blue has lots of farm animal friends who are willing to help! A great message about the power of friendship and the rewards of helping others.
Summer Sun Risin’, by William Nikola – Set on a Texas farm in 1950s, this book chronicles a boy’s daily activities on his family farm. The book shows the passage of time from sunrise to sunset and offers a different perspective with an African American farm family.
The Pig in the Pond by Martin Waddell – On one of the hottest days of the summer, the pig on Neligan’s farm sits by the pond feeling envious of the ducks and the geese floating in the cool water. Finally, when she can endure the heat no longer—splash!—this sweltering pig takes a dive, throwing the entire farm into an uproar. The playful language and exuberant illustrations make this one a sure hit with young and old alike!
Check out this research-based, playful learning unit in our curriculum shop!
Farm Lesson Plan Bundle | Preschool and Pre-K
16 of my most popular farm theme activities, including fine motor, math, literacy, science, dramatic play and more!
The Cow Who Clucked by Denise Fleming – Another classic favorite from Caldecott honor winner Denise Fleming, The Cow Who Clucked will appeal to a preschooler’s sense of humor. Having lost her moo, Cow is stuck clucking. “It is not you who has my moo!” will be a favorite phrase in your classroom after reading this one!
Best Farm Books for Preschool
The Little Red Hen by Carol Ottolenghi- No farm book list would be complete without the classic tale of The Little Red Hen. Young children everywhere will learn a valuable lesson about teamwork from this funny, favorite folktale.
On the Farm, at the Market, by G. Brian Karas – Workers at the different farms harvest, gather, and pack up. Some work is done the day before and some is done in the early morning. All head to the market to sell their products. A story that shows community interconnectedness.
Plants on the Farm, by Lisa J. Amstutz – This nonfiction book introduces common farm crops, how those crops grow, and some products made from those crops.
Animals on the Farm, by Lisa J. Amstutz – Facts written in appropriate text and up-close photos introduce kids to seven of the most common animals on the farm.
Machines on the Farm, by Lisa J. Amstutz – Ride along on tractors, planter, combines, and other common farm machines. Photos and simple text help kids discover how these machines help farmers do their work.
A Year on the Farm, by Christina Mia Gardeski – Life on the farm changes from season. Discover what farmers do at different times of the year. Photos help kids see the changes in the seasons on this farm.
A Visit to the Farm, by Blake A. Hoena – Taking readers on a tour of a farm, this book’s text and photographs explore the people, animals, and things on the farm. (An app is available that includes additional information.)
Food From Farms, by Nancy Dickmann – Find out about the different kinds of foods that are raised on farms around the world in this introduction to the world of farming.
Duck on a Tractor, by David Shannon – Duck decides to drive the tractor around the farm. The other animals join him for a ride. Then he takes the tractor straight through town!
I Want to Be a Farmer, by Dan Liebman – Check out the tools and tasks of life on a farm.
