There are hundreds (if not thousands) of picture books set on the farm, and even city kids can appreciate a farm-themed storytime. Be sure to include songs like “Old MacDonald,” “B-I-N-G-O,” and “The Farmer in the Dell.” For a craft, you can make farm animal paper bag puppets like those seen here. Or, try these carrot napkin holders. You can use green paper napkins instead of the cloth napkins pictured.
Here are some books set on the farm that would be great for a toddler storytime:
Aylesworth, Jim. COCK-A-DOODLE-DOO, POP-POP, MOO. Onomatopoeia adds great fun to this tale of the sounds on the farm.
Beaty, Andrea. HIDE AND SHEEP. In this rhyming countdown story, the farmer must round up the sheep for shearing.
Cabrera, Jane. OLD MACDONALD HAD A FARM. A brightly illustrated picture book of the traditional song.
Cowley, Joy. MRS. WISHY-WASHY’S FARM. Tired of their baths, three farm animals leave for the big city.
Gershator, Phillis. WHO’S IN THE FARMYARD? Die-cut holes and animals noises make this a great choice for a participation story.
Himmelman, John. CHICKENS TO THE RESCUE. Six days a week the chickens help run the farm, but they need one day to rest!
Lindsey, Craig. FARMYARD BEAT. Unable to sleep, the farm animals start to dance, but wake up Farmer Sue.
Minor, Wendell. MY FARM FRIENDS. A short rhyme and beautiful illustrations describe each farm animal.
Tricarico, Christine. COCK-A-DOODLE DANCE! It’s boring on the farm so the animals start to dance in this rowdy rhyming tale.
Wilson, Karma. THE COW LOVES COOKIES. As we see the farmer feed each animal, he mentions what they eat, ending with “but the cow loves cookies” in this participation story.
Wormell, Christopher. A NUMBER OF ANIMALS. Numbers one through ten are highlighted in this story of chicks who are looking for mother hen.
Also see the previous Farm storytime ideas page from July 2001.
Penny Peck