Title: Fresh-Picked Poetry, A Day at the Farmer’s Market
Author: Michelle Schaub
Illustrator: Amy Huntington
Publisher: Charlesbridge, 2017
Ages: 5-8
Themes: farmer’s market, friendship, healthy eating, fresh produce
Genre: poetry, slice-0f-life
Opening:
Market Day Today
Its market day
Hooray. Hooray!
Spy the wonders
on display:
rainbow carrots,
herb bouquets,
heaps of berries,
sample trays.
Synopsis:
This collection of poems takes young readers on a day’s visit with two new friends and their dogs to an urban farmers’ market. Who to see, what to eat, and how produce is grown–it’s all so exciting, fresh, and delicious. Readers are invited to peruse the stands and inspect vendors’ wares with poems like -Farmer Greg’s Free-Range Eggs, – -Summer Checklist, – and -Necessary Mess.-
Why I like this book:
Amy is from Vermont and on my huge east coast road trip last summer I stopped off in Burlington, VT and visited their most wonderful farmer’s market. I have to wonder if Amy used this in part as inspiration for her delightful illustrations. She adds her own story and humor to the text with families of all shapes and sizes celebrating yummy fresh produce and all the sounds and smells of market day!
In every country I have lived I have frequented my local farmer’s market. I have just moved to Mamaroneck and their farmer’s market meets in the local Lutheran church hall through the winter months. I love them and am so happy to see them celebrated with such sweet poetic voice and warmhearted exploration in this picture book.
Michelle Schaub’s poetry is light-footed and the imagery catches all the senses and excitement of childish exploration. I wanted to dig my hands in the curly greens and found myself checking my fingers for tell tale blackberry juice. She incorporates clever word play, onomatopoeia, and all the extra’s like face painting and knife-grinding that can accompany a day at the market.
“the pavement is so hot it could roast a shish-kebab.” sure makes me feel summer is here!
This book is a perfect pick for family, libraries and classrooms. A great addition to units of farming and healthy eating.
Activities/Resources:
Don’t miss the interview I did with Amy here.
If possible a trip to your local farmer’s market is in order. If not, bring some produce into class and have kids choose an item to write a poem!
Find more “Perfect Picture Book Friday” reviews at Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog HERE.
In my 20's, with only my guitar and a rucksack, I wandered the continents, immersing myself in the lives of some wonderful people, projects and stories, which changed the way I view my responsibility to others and this earth. Right now I'm a European transplant in the US who writes books for children and young adults. Stories can help us not only navigate our world but can connect us to others, and allow us to inspire and help each other. I believe that equity and empathy should be at the core of our all actions, words, and stories.
I am also a school librarian and I get a kick out of book-matchmaking! And I use the pronouns she/her.
What a great book to encourage parents to take their kids to a local farmer’s market. I used to love them as a child. We all get so busy that we head to the local grocery story, when the freshest produce is in the markets. Encourages kids to eat healthy at an early age and be involved in picking their food. Great choice for the start of summer.
What a PERFECT choice for the start of summer & Farmer’s Market season! I have this one checked out from the library & now want to dig in right away! Thanks for a yummy review to start the holiday weekend.
This is one of my favorite books of poetry, and what I especially loved about your review was the interview with Amy Huntingdon. Thank you for sharing!
I haven’t been to a farmer’s market in ages. A reminder to me and a great book to highlight local community.
Love that quote about the shish-kebab! I, too, love farmers’ markets. We have many in San Francisco. But my favorites will always be the ones of my childhood. Not so much markets as farm stands along the side of the road.
I’m grateful for our farmer’s markets too! Looks like a sweet book!
I remember stopping at farmer’s market along one route we took to Cedar Point. Fresh plums, big as my hand were a special treat. I love going to my local farmer’s market. You never know who might be there and what they might be sellling. This seems like a Perfect Poetry Picture Book Friday!
It is actually warm and sunny in Seattle! This was the perfect book for today. Thanks.
We have a local Farmers market nearby and is open all year round on Saturdays. Only if it’s pouring with rain will it be closed. This story has reminded me I must pop down for fresh fruit and veges. They also have yummy homemade breads and fruit loafs. I could smell the aroma while reading your review. 🙂 Thanks for sharing Joanna. Love how this book is in poems.