Complete Book of Farmyard Tales - 40th Anniversary Edition
#1 of 75 in Usborne Farmyard Tales Series
on Goodreads (237)
What’s inside...
This special 40th Anniversary Edition of the 'Complete Book of Farmyard Tales' brings together the beloved stories of life on Apple Tree Farm. Young readers will delight in the adventures of Mrs. Boot the farmer, her children Poppy and Sam, and their menagerie of animals as they encounter various challenges and joys of farm life. To celebrate 40 years of Usborne Publishing, the iconic Farmyard Tales collection has been re-issued for a new generation of children. It introduces Mrs. Boot the farmer, her children Poppy and Sam, Rusty the dog, Curly the pig, Woolly the sheep and all the other animal characters at Apple Tree Farm. With a Little Yellow Duck to spot on every page, it features twenty gentle stories that have already delighted three generations of children.
Character compass
Poppy
Sam
Ted
Mr. Boot
Mrs. Boot
Discussion points
What do you think a day in the life of a farm animal is like?
How do the animals help each other in the stories?
Can you imagine living on a farm? What would you find most exciting?
Which farmyard tale did you like the most and why?
If you could create your own farmyard tale, what story would you tell?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts about the book and its themes to create an open dialogue.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to show genuine interest and encourage deeper thinking.
Connect the stories to real-life situations to help your child relate to the characters and scenarios.
Use expressive reading techniques, including voice modulation and pauses, to make the story more engaging during discussion.
Encourage creative thinking by inviting your child to draw scenes or characters from the book that they found particularly interesting or fun.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The characters in 'Complete Book of Farmyard Tales' often take care of animals and manage farm tasks, demonstrating the importance of being responsible.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take responsibility for their own chores and duties at home, understanding the role they play in family life.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters work together to solve problems, illustrating the value of cooperation and teamwork.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to cooperate with others in school projects or when playing sports, teaching them to value collective effort over individual success.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The interactions between characters and animals show kindness and understanding, highlighting the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing compassion and understanding towards their friends and animals, fostering healthier and more supportive relationships.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The stories often involve discovering new aspects of farm life, which can spur curiosity and an enthusiasm for learning new things.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore and ask questions about the world around them, whether it’s nature, science, or any new topic at school.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Characters experience the results of their decisions, which teaches children that actions have consequences.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that their choices impact themselves and others, encouraging them to think before they act.