Farm Bureau helps kids dig into soil science with a new book

In today’s fast-paced digital age, it’s easy for children to get lost in screens and miss out on the wonders of the natural world. However, there’s a delightful corner of literature dedicated to bringing agriculture to life for young readers.

Young readers, garden enthusiasts, and science educators alike have a new accurate agricultural adventure to dig into with the latest children’s book from Feeding Minds Press. The Soil in Jackie’s Garden is a cumulative-style picture book that tells the story of Jackie and her garden friends as they discover the wonders of soil and how things grow.

Loaded with scientific facts about soil, plants, pollinators, decomposers, and more, The Soil in Jackie’s Garden will engage readers ages 6 and up in becoming environmental stewards, learning how to care for a garden, understanding a plant-life cycle, discovering the power of pollinators and the importance of composting.

The Soil in Jackie’s Garden is written by award-winning nonfiction children’s book author Peggy Thomas and illustrated by accomplished artist and graphic designer Neely Daggett. Thomas is also the author of Full of Beans: Henry Ford Grows a Car, winner of the 2020 American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture Book of the Year Award.

“The Soil in Jackie’s Garden is an excellent addition to our library of engaging, educational picture books at Feeding Minds Press,” said Julia Recko, senior director of publishing and education outreach at the foundation. “We are delighted to play a part in helping kids understand agriculture, stewardship, and science.”

Educational materials on the soil cycle and how to make a compost pile are included in the back of the book, with more resources soon to come from the Foundation for Agriculture, including an educator’s guide to help students learn about how their food is grown.

The Soil in Jackie’s Garden marks the 10th title from Feeding Minds Press, along with Potatoes for Pirate Pearl, published last fall, and I LOVE Strawberries, a winner of seven awards, including the Good Housekeeping 2022 Best Kids’ Book Award.

All books are available for purchase directly from Feeding Minds Press.