You can discuss and explore farms and farm animals any time of the year with your students. This post shares Farm Picture Books that you can use for this purpose. All of the picture books on this list lend themselves to this topic really well. Take a peek below to learn more about these Farm Picture Books!
5 Farm Picture Books
Below is a list of some of our favorite Farm Picture Books to share with elementary students. Check them out!
1. Three Hens and a Peacock by Lester L. Laminack
Three Hens and a Peacock takes place on Tuckers’ Farm. All is quiet on the farm until one day when a peacock shows up. Not knowing how to live on a farm, the peacock wanders down to the edge of the road. As cars drive by, they are intrigued by his colorful feathers and stop at the farm. This helps business on the farm to grow! However, the hens on Tuckers’ Farm become jealous and resentful of the peacock. They think his job is easy and that they do all the hard work. An old hound on the farm suggests the hens and peacock switch roles. The hens come to realize that the peacock’s job isn’t so easy and learn to respect him. The peacock learns that he is not useless but in fact adds value to the farm!
Students will enjoy this funny and engaging book about a peacock living on a farm. It’s great message of jealousy and understanding others makes it a perfect read aloud! Check out these Three Hens and a Peacock teaching resources and activities to help you plan and deliver highly engaging read aloud lessons!
2. Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle
Little Blue Truck had a horn that was one of the friendliest sounds you could hear. As he drove down the road he honked his horn at all the animals he would pass. Big Green Toad, Sheep, and Cow all said hello back.
When the Dump came driving along the road, he didn’t beep his horn hello to anyone. He thought he had too many important things to do! Suddenly, the Dump swerved to get out of the way of a puddle and he found himself stuck in the mud. He beeped and cried for help but nobody came.
Soon Little Blue Truck came to help, but found himself stuck too! When Little Blue Truck called for help, all of the animals came running. Together, they all pushed and pushed until the trucks came free. The Dump realized when you have friends you are there to help one another.
Check out these Little Blue Truck teaching resources and activities to help you plan and deliver highly engaging read aloud lessons!
3. Otis by Loren Long
Otis is a tractor that lives on the farm. He spends his days working in the fields with the farmer. When the work day is over, Otis loves to unwind. He rolls in the hills, plays in the hay, and relaxes under the apple tree. At night, Otis goes to sleep in his stall in the barn.
One day, the farmer brings a new baby calf into the barn. At night, she cries for her mother. When the calf hears the gentle purr of Otis’ engine, she is able to calm down and fall asleep. From that day on Otis and the calf were best friends. She followed him everywhere and they enjoyed playing together. But when the farmer gets a big, new tractor, Otis is moved out behind the barn. The new tractor takes his place. Otis spends his days behind the barn, but he no longer plays. Weeds start to grow on him but his friend the calf often visits. She does not like the noise of the new tractor and misses her friend.
On a hot day the calf wanders down to the pond to cool off but gets stuck in the mud. The farmer and farm hands try to pull her out but are unsuccessful. They bring in the new tractor but it scares her and only makes things worse. Even the fire engine can’t get her out. That’s when Otis comes down to the pond and starts circling it. The calf keeps her eyes on Otis and eventually gets out of the pond.
Now Otis has a new role on the farm. He is able to comfort and calm the animals allowing them to produce milk or eggs. He and the calf can once again enjoy the shade of the apple tree overlooking the farm.
Check out these Otis teaching resources and activities to help you plan and deliver highly engaging read aloud lessons!
4. A Piglet Named Mercy by Kate DiCamillo
Mr. and Mrs. Watson lived ordinary lives in their ordinary town. They cut the grass, wash their car, and vacuum the house. One day, Mrs. Watson onced asked if their lives were a little too predictable. That night, a piglet came rolling off a truck and landed at the Watson house.
Mr. and Mrs. Watson quickly learn that sometimes, surprises can bring great joy. They quickly fall in love with their unpredictable visitor and the piglet becomes a member of the family.
Check out these A Piglet Named Mercy teaching resources and activities to help you plan and deliver highly engaging read aloud lessons!
5. Duck on a Bike by David Shannon
One day, Duck had an idea: he wanted to ride a bike! Duck got on a bike and rode around the farm, passing animals as he went. Each animal squeaked or neighed, but the story shows what they are really thinking. Eventually, a group of bike riders leave their bikes to go inside, and all of the barnyard animals hop on! No one knows about their secret adventure, but the animals thank Duck for the idea and the fun!
Check out these Duck on a Bike teaching resources and activities to help you plan and deliver highly engaging read aloud lessons!
Grab the Free Reading Resources!
In closing, we hope you found this list of Farm Picture Books helpful! They are part of our Starts With a Story collection. If you want to get more book ideas to read aloud to your elementary students, then grab this reading freebie. It includes read aloud books lists, reading logs, and reading challenges for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classroom teachers. It will have you covered for the entire school year, as well as the summer months! Grab this free elementary reading packet now!
