Barnyard Kids - A Complete Guide to Raising Chickens, Cows, Goats, Pigs and More

For every century up until this one, we’ve counted on kids to take real responsibilities for the animals that provide us with food and companionship. In the process, kids not only grew food, but they grew their own sense of themselves as capable beings: the barnyard was the training ground for productive and fulfilling lives. It still can be! Kids can still do it!How much land do I need to have a cow? What makes chickens sick? Do pigs really smell that bad?  These questions and many more are answered in Barnyard Kids – an introduction to basic animal husbandry for 8-11 year olds. The book is a great tool for families with children looking to raise common animals found on a typical farm, and it’s also a perfect book for kids who are just curious about pig snouts, cow stomachs and bunny ears.The level of instruction seeks to orient and educate the reader, first by giving a birds-eye view of each animal’s care followed by a breakdown of what that animal needs to live, what makes it sick, and what it can offer a farm family. Each chapter is illustrated with dazzling photographs by the author and her husband as well as helpful diagrams. The health and welfare of both animal and child are of top concern, and animal husbandry can be dangerous. As such, readers are instructed to seek the help of an experienced adult or professional for certain tasks.This book is written in partnership with The Farm School – a year-round 180-acre educational farm in Athol, MA – and produced by us - photojournalist and author Dina Rudick, and her farmer/photographer husband Erik Jacobs.You can purchase yours today through the usual online purveyors.  Or for $30, you can support the work of the farm and have your own signed personalized copy.  Just drop us a note and we will fill you in on the rest of the details.  And please like our Barnyard Kids Facebook page for news about our upcoming release party and book tour.

Click below to look inside the book…