7 Picture Books Celebrating Farmers' Markets

My kids and I love a good farmers’ market but it was during our vacation to Kauai and we really sought them out in search of fruit. It was here that we sampled many exotic fruits as well as unusual varieties of bananas, pineapples, and papayas.

These almost daily excursions reminded us of how nice it is to buy directly from farmers and artisans. And now that we are back, we are going more frequently to the two farmers markets where we live.

Our favorite farmers market in Kauai was actually right next door to where we were staying. There were lots of exotic fruits to purchase and try. My favorite was the mangosteen which is new to us.

How about you? Do you have a farmers’ market nearby? What is your favorite thing to buy there? Thanks for sharing!

7 Picture Books Celebrating Farmers’ Markets

Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall, illustrated by Barbara Cooney

The Ox-Cart Man is a reminder that farmers’ markets go back to Colonial times here where I live, and hundreds of centuries before that around the world such as The Silk Road. With his own goods to sell from what he and his family produce at their farm — wool from his sheep, a shawl his wife made, mittens his daughter knitted, linen they wove, birch brooms his son carved, and a bag of goose feathers from the barnyard geese — the Ox-Cart man then purchases what they need. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Common Threads: Adam’s Day at the Market by Huda Essa, illustrated by Mercè Tous

“When we recognize our similarities and differences, using kindness as a guide, we can all thrive in this world we share.”

I love how this farmer’s market experience adds a dramatic twist to the usual shopping. When Adam loses his family in the crowd, he mistakes other people who also wear traditional Muslim clothing for his parents, but they are happy to help him. It’s a book to spot similarities and differences to find that we are more alike than different. [nearly wordless picture book, ages 4 and up]

Fresh-Picked Poetry: A Day at the Farmers’ Market by Michelle Schaub, illustrated by Amy Huntington

Wonderful rhyming poems celebrate a day at the farmers’ market just begging to be read aloud! The illustrations that place the farmers’ market in a metropolis are inclusive with a wide diversity of shoppers. Read this with kids before going to your farmers’ market to celebrate summer! [poetry picture book, ages 4 and up]

On the Farm, At the Market by G. Brian Karas

This is the kind of farmers’ market that my town has. There are stands for farmers, but also artisanal cheesemakers. We don’t have mushroom growers though! Told in two chapters from the perspective of the growers and cheesemakers (the night before and the day of ), readers learn about the many steps to get ready for the farmers’ market. This is a book to make you want to support your local farmers’ market! [picture book, ages 4 and up]

We’re Going to the Farmer’s Market by Stefan Page

Rhyming verses and vibrant illustrations make this board book the perfect companion for kids in strollers at the farmers’ market! [board book, ages 2 and up]

To Market, To Market by Nikki McClure

The cut-paper illustrations by Nikki McClure give this picture book an old-fashioned timeless appeal that suits the theme of the picture book as the first farmers’ markets in the United States opened in 1624 in Boston. The history of how the items were created at the marketplace is also included, giving this picture book a sense of history. The items and people featured are from the Olympia Farmers Market which the author visits weekly. [picture book, ages 5 and up]

Farmers’ Market Day by Shanda Trent, illustrated by Jane Dippold

Told in rhyme, a little girl is excited to spend her own money at the farmers’ market. There’s so much to choose from — fruits and vegetables, honey, baked goods, crafts, and more! She finds the perfect thing and they leave laden with a little of everything! [picture book, ages 4 and up]

More Farmers Markets That We Love!

San Antonio:

Newton, MA where I live:

Hanapepe, Kauai (the town that Lilo and Stitch is based on):

Kalalea, Kauai:

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Book Lists for the Seasons

My books:

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Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World

- - Junior Library Guild Gold selection
  - Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
  - Starred review from School Library Journal
  - Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
  - 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
  - Green Earth Book Award longlist
  - Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids

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