Lately, children’s literature has been increasingly engaged in conversations about the impact of environmental damage on future generations and healthier eating. We hope the books below inspire readers to learn more about where their food comes from, the effort that goes into producing it, and the importance of establishing ethical and sustainable farming practices now and long into the future. Learning about food sustainability can empower children to start making a difference in their communities from an early age.
Illustration: Laylah Amarchih/The Guardian
Un An à Fleurville (A Year At Fleurville: Balcony, Rooftop and Garden Recipes)
By Felicita Sala
Éditions Cambourakis, France (2021)
Spring has come to Fleurville! Residents are busy with their gardens, someone is already getting ready for an early harvest. Fresh vegetables and fruits can be used to prepare delicious seasonal delicacies, and some vegetables and herbs can be grown in the vegetable garden right on the roof or even on the balcony. Part cookbook, part mini guide to gardening, this picturebook celebrates the role of community and encourages children to learn not only how to incorporate fruits and vegetables into meals, but also how to properly organise a small allotment and take care of the plants in order to get a wonderful harvest for themselves and their loved ones. Available in English, German, and Russian.
To Market, To Market
By Nikki McClure
Harry N. Abrams, USA (2011)
Blending story and fact together, this lovingly crafted picturebook follows a weekly visit of a mother and her son to the local market. As they cross items off their shopping list, the reader learns how each particular food was grown or produced, from its earliest stages of growth to its final stage at the market. This book promotes sustainable living, local eating and spotlights all the skills that go into making and producing whole food.
Le Ricette di Nonna Irma
Written by Bertelli Laura & Illustrated by Giulia Pintus
Logos Edizioni, Italy (2021)
Le Ricette di Nonna Irma is an illustrated cookbook about rediscovering old traditions and learning to appreciate sustainable cooking in childhood. Page after page readers will discover the deep bond between a grandmother and her granddaughter and will follow their adventures in the kitchen, who transform the precious gifts of the garden, orchards and vineyards into delicious dishes or preserves.
Fresh-Picked Poetry: A Day at the Farmers’ Market
Written by Michelle Schaub & Illustrated by Amy Huntington Clure
Charlesbridge Publishing, USA (2017)
In this collection of eighteen humorous and evocative poems, Michelle Schaub takes readers to a farmers’ market to experience the sights, sounds, aromas, and fun of a day spent with a community of people in the open air. The author includes reasons to attend farmer's markets and gives further resources at the end of the book. A perfect pick for a discussion of local economy, organic foods and healthy eating, gardening and farming.
Fermerskie Rynki Mira (Farmers’ Markets of the World)
Written by Maria Bakhtereva & Illustrated by Anna Desnitskaya
Samokat, Russia (2021)
This engaging guide picturebook will take readers on an exciting journey to 24 farmers’ markets in 12 countries from Africa to Europe. It shows children how markets look in different countries, who does the groceries in various cultures, how much you can spend and what to cook from the products bought there. Each country's market is accompanied by a little glossary with helpful words and phrases to use at the market.
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