The Farmer Author:Mark Ludy The Farmer is a delightful, thought-provoking tale that children and parents will want to read again and again. Centered around the farmer and his animals, it is a story of patience, perseverance and faith. The book's message is powerful and timeless as it focuses on the qualities and values that build character. The Farmer is a... more » gentle, hard-working man who loves his animals and tends his fields with strong, caring hands. When a series of disasters destroys his crops, he is forced to sell some of his cherished animals to recoup losses and survive until the next planting. The illustrations are richly detailed and filled with life and emotion. The artist has captured the farmer's broad scope of feelings, as well as those of his animals, as they cope with each misfortune. Parents and children will want to study the pictures carefully to pick out all the tiny details that make this such a charming story, and the surprise ending will warm the heart and have readers cheering for the farmer.« less