Outdoor Farm, Indoor Farm

PreS-Gr 3–In parallel plots, pen pals Efram and Emma share information about their two farms through the seasons, contrasting indoor and outdoor methods. The children share particulars about crop growth, light sources, watering methods, weed control, harvesting, and product distribution. Bright, warmly illustrated spreads and alternating pictures clearly convey the distinct differences between outdoor and indoor settings. Comparisons are especially strong when both children enjoy light: Emma is shown painting farm landscapes as the sun rises, and Efram soaks in the pink light of his indoor farm. In scenes of the farms in winter, Emma’s realm is almost sleeping while Efram’s indoor farm buzzes with activity and growth. Short, simple, rhyming sentences and diverse characters throughout make this perfect for early elementary students. Detailed back matter about changing farming methods along with additional sources and activities adds educational girth to this book; it’s a wonderful resource for children interested in farming.