A trip to the farmer's market with a child is a feast for the senses. Their eyes go wide at the piles of bright red strawberries, their noses twitch at the earthy smell of potatoes, and their curiosity runs wild. It’s the perfect place for little hands to point and little voices to ask the big question: "But where does it all really come from?"
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As book lovers, we know the best way to answer a big question is with a great story. Pairing a weekend market trip with a cozy story time can transform a simple shopping errand into a profound learning experience. These picture books are wonderful tools for connecting the dots between the seeds in the ground, the food on the table, and the community that makes it all happen.
Here are a few of our favorite picture books that teach kids where food comes from, perfect for reading before or after your next market adventure.
For the Market Explorer:
We're Going to the Farmers' Market by Stefan Page
What better way to prepare for your trip than with a book that takes you there first? This story follows a family through the market as they explore the stalls in alphabetical order, from "Artichokes" to "Zucchini." The rhyming text and charming illustrations introduce children to a wide variety of produce and market goods, making it the perfect primer to build excitement and familiarity before you go.
For the Little Gardener:
Growing Vegetable Soup by Lois Ehlert
This vibrant, classic picture book is the perfect introduction to the magic of gardening. With bold, collage-style illustrations and simple, direct text, Ehlert takes children through the entire process: planting the seeds, watering the sprouts, watching them grow, and finally, harvesting them to make a delicious soup. It’s a foundational seed-to-table story that beautifully illustrates the care and patience necessary for growing our food.
For the Clever Farmer:
Tops & Bottoms by Janet Stevens
Based on a European folktale, this Caldecott Honor book is a brilliantly funny story about a lazy Bear who gets tricked into a farming partnership with a clever Hare. The story wonderfully illustrates that different vegetables grow in different ways—some we eat the "tops" (like broccoli) and some we eat the "bottoms" (like carrots). It’s a hilarious and memorable way to learn about harvesting and is one of the best books for kids about farms.
For the Nature Lover:
The Bee Book by Charlotte Milner
Many fruits and vegetables at the market wouldn't exist without help from our buzzing friends! This wonderfully illustrated book explains the essential role bees play in pollination. It’s packed with fascinating facts about how bees live, work, and help our food grow. It’s a wonderful way to introduce the science of our ecosystem and foster an appreciation for the tiny creatures who do such important work.
For the Inquisitive Mind:
How Did That Get in My Lunchbox? by Chris Butterworth
For the child who wants the straight facts, this book is a must-read. With engaging illustrations and lift-the-flap features, it traces common lunchbox items—from bread and cheese to carrots and apple juice—all the way back to their sources. It clearly explains the journey from the farm to the store, answering the "how" and "why" with fascinating detail that will satisfy even the most curious little foodie.
For the Community Builder:
Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora
This heartwarming Caldecott Honor book is a beautiful celebration of how food brings people together. Omu (the Igbo word for "queen," used for "grandmother") makes a delicious stew whose scent travels through the neighborhood, attracting a diverse cast of community members. She shares her meal with everyone until the pot is empty, but her neighbors return to share their own food with her. It’s a powerful story about generosity, community, and the joy of sharing a meal.
For the Cultural Connection:
Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard
Food is so much more than just fuel; it’s history, family, and identity. This award-winning book celebrates the role of fry bread in Native American culture. The lyrical text and warm illustrations show how a single food can represent a shape, sound, and flavor, but also a shared history and resilience. It’s a powerful reminder that every dish has a story and connects us to our community and our past.
By sharing these stories, you give your child a new lens through which to see the world—and their food.
What are your go-to picture books about food or gardening? Share your family's favorites in the comments below
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