Libraries’ summer reading dives into agriculture with ‘Color Our World’ theme

Public libraries nationwide this summer will burst with color, culture and curiosity with the 2025 reading theme, “Color Our World.” More than just a call to pick up a book, this campaign is an invitation to explore the rich hues of our natural world, the diverse traditions of food and farming, and the stories that connect us all.

And while kids dive into brightly illustrated pages and vivid tales, there’s one partner helping add even more color to the experience: Farm Bureau.

Every fruit, flower and flavor kids read about this summer has roots — in the soil, on a farm or in a family recipe passed down through generations. That’s where Farm Bureau Promotion & Education teams step in.

By teaming up with local libraries, Farm Bureau volunteers can help turn story time into an adventure. Whether it's planting a seed after reading about vegetable soup or tasting homemade tortillas after learning how corn grows, these hands-on moments bring the stories to life.

This year’s reading list features stunning stories that celebrate food, farming and culture in colorful, compelling ways:

Berry Song, by Michaela Goade

Set in Alaska, this story follows a young girl and her grandmother as they forage for wild berries. Through lyrical text and rich illustrations, readers learn about Indigenous traditions, respect for nature and the colorful bounty the land provides. This book is a celebration of family, heritage and the healing power of food and storytelling. Lesson plans: grades K-2, grades 3-5

The Tortilla Factory, by Gary Paulsen

With vivid, poetic language, this book tells the story of how corn is grown, harvested and transformed into tortillas. The process comes alive in a way that’s easy for children to follow, showing the journey from soil to table while highlighting the importance of farmers and farm workers. Lesson plans: grades K-2, grades 3-5

Growing Vegetable Soup, by Lois Ehlert

This brightly illustrated book walks readers through the steps of growing a garden, from seed to soup bowl. It's an excellent introduction to gardening, nutrition and healthy eating. Kids will enjoy seeing how each colorful vegetable contributes to a tasty, homegrown soup. Lesson plans: grades K-2, grades 3-5

Alice Waters and the Trip to Delicious, by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

This beautifully illustrated biography introduces kids to chef and food activist Alice Waters, who helped start the farm-to-table movement. It’s a great way to show how food can connect people, cultures and communities — and how color, flavor and care go hand-in-hand when it comes to eating well. Lesson plans: grades K-2, grades 3-5