Blue-Ribbon Radishes
Poppy is determined to win a blue ribbon for her cucumbers at the county fair. But Vincent Van Goat gobbles them up before the big day! Luckily, Poppy knows a lot about fast-growing vegetables…
Picture Books › Farm Friends
Farm Friends
An early-reader STEAM series about Poppy, who lives on a farm with her family, a barnyard of friendly animals, and her mischievous pet goat, Vincent Van Goat. Full of farm life, family, friendship, and hard work—and fair warning, it may make kids want a pet goat of their very own. Written by Kimberly Derting and Shelli R. Johannes, illustrated by Kristen Humphrey, published by Capstone.
Six books
Life on the farm with Poppy
Poppy’s Chicks
Poppy can’t wait for her hen to have chicks—but the eggs aren’t going to hatch. Poppy comes up with a new plan: she’ll hatch her own eggs. But will they hatch in time?
One Stubborn Goat
Poppy is in charge of the goat races at the Pumpkin Festival. There’s only one problem: Vincent Van Goat would rather eat grass, chase butterflies, and nap with the pigs. Can Poppy help Vincent shine?
The Big Soap-Rise!
Teacher’s Day is Monday, and Poppy and her best friends forgot to get a present for Ms. Green! Poppy decides they can make soap on the farm. Can they pull it off in time?
The Vet Visit
When a new foal is born on the farm, the veterinarian stops by. Poppy tags along with Dr. Herriott to check on all the adorable new farmyard friends. Can Poppy learn to care for them?
Poppy’s Pollinators
While Poppy and her dad work in the garden, he teaches her how pollinators help the farm. Poppy discovers the secret behind blooming flowers and a good harvest—can she keep the pollinators coming back?
Free downloads
Printables & activities
Color the farm, mark your place with Poppy and Vincent, and bring the series into the classroom with the educator guide. Each one opens as a PDF you can print or save.
The Farm Friends books provide a delightful connection to agriculture for elementary students. You can’t help but fall in love with the main characters, Poppy and Vincent Van Goat. The National Center for Agricultural Literacy enthusiastically recommends the books as companion resources with early elementary Matrix lessons.Lynn Wallin, Educational Specialist, National Center for Agricultural Literacy
Behind the books
The creators
Author
Kimberly Derting
Award-winning author of picture books and young adult novels, writing from the Pacific Northwest. More about Kim
Author
Shelli R. Johannes
Lives in Atlanta with her family, a bird, a fish, and two crazy-haired doodles, and loves volunteering with animal conservation groups. srjohannes.com
Illustrated by Kristen Humphrey. Published by Picture Window Books, an imprint of Capstone.