On the Farm, At the Market

Reach for this book when your child starts asking questions about where their dinner comes from or expresses interest in the bustling energy of a local market. It is an ideal choice for fostering gratitude for the hard work that goes into everyday items and for calming a child who feels overwhelmed by busy public spaces by explaining the logic behind the chaos. The story follows several different farming families, including mushroom growers and cheese makers, as they transition from the quiet labor of the farm to the social excitement of the community market. Through Karas's gentle gouache illustrations, children learn about the cycle of production, the importance of teamwork, and the satisfaction of a job well done. It is a grounding, educational read for preschoolers and early elementary students that celebrates both the solitude of nature and the warmth of community connection.