Informational & entertaining books for ages 6-9
Glori, Miracle Dog
If you love dogs and inspirational stories of bravery, kindness, and overcoming hardship, then you’ll love Glori, Miracle Dog. This story was inspired by a real dog named Glori who is a blind pug. She was left abandoned and alone in the wilderness for over a month. This is her rescue story.
Thanks to a caring woman on horseback, a compassionate veterinarian, an organization that helps dogs in need, and an understanding grandmother, Glori gets a second chance at a healthy and happy life filled with love. Glori is a survivor, she is a miracle dog.
“As a teacher, animal welfare volunteer, and therapy dog team member, I relish books about miraculous animals and their humans. As I read Glori's inspirational story, I kept imagining all of the many ways I will use this book in my outreach to children and families. Every single page of this book presents powerful opportunities to impact the mission of helping learners develop the kinds of insights that lead them along the pathways to changing lives. I can imagine there will be young readers who decide to become veterinarians, rescue volunteers, or adopters after being immersed in the rich lessons afforded by Glori's life story. I thank the author, Jan Crossen, for serving up a children's book that will make a difference.”
Farm Adventures Series:
America’s Heartland, the TV show
Says kids today just do not know.
About crops and animals; life on the farm.
Want to let them experience some country charm?
The Adventures of Wilbur,
A Part-time Farm Cat
“Here kitty, kitty, kitty…” if those words make you happy in your heart then you’re probably a cat person. If you can’t get enough of their independent personalities, loving purrs, and superior attitudes, then you’ll enjoy this story about the adventures of Wilbur, a part-time farm cat.
Wilbur is a handsome brown tabby cat who enjoys roaming around his quiet, rural neighborhood. One day his travels take him up a winding, gravel driveway to a yellow farm house. There are horses and milk cows on the farm and Wilbur gets a taste of farm life. He is curious about the people who live there and he makes a very special friend.
Wilbur is a wise cat who happily shares his knowledge with those who are smart enough to listen. Are you one of those people?
“The book, The Adventures of Wilbur, a Part-time Farm cat, captures the youngest and oldest of reader's hearts. The story provides you a window into life on a farm through the lens of the adorable, Wilbur the cat. It is an engaging story with vivid illustrations that showcases the independent personality of cats, and the process of how they develop trust and adopt their humans. The vignettes into farm life and snapshots of the remarkable humans has the reader yearning for a simpler life, and more endearing stories of this farm.”
My Musical Cow
Have you ever looked into the soft, brown, trusting eyes of a Jersey cow? It’s an amazing experience. If you like cows and learning more about these gentle creatures, then this book is for you. It starts with, Julip, the matriarch, the musical cow. You’ll find out what that means, and about her family and herd as the story unfolds. You’ll also learn what we do with all of that delicious Jersey milk and cream. So pull up a milking stool and get comfortable. Let’s talk about cows, milk, and what I’ve learned from my musical Jersey cow.
"I just finished reading Jan Crossen’s latest book My Musical Cow. She entertains with a story about a small herd of cows on a farm, and while entertaining slips in numerous facts about cows and other animals. Jan Crossen is very conscious of vocabulary and includes lots of new vocabulary with clear definitions for your kiddos to absorb. A fun fun read to share with the kids!"
Dream Horse
She was three years old when her daddy lifted her up onto the back of an old palomino horse. Her short, blue jean covered legs didn’t come anywhere near the long, dangling stirrups of the Western saddle. Her Daddy tied a big knot in the worn, leather reins and gently placed them in her tiny hands.
“Hold onto these reins and this saddle horn, Janet,” he said. “I’ll be right here with you; let’s take a ride.”
That’s the day she fell in love with horses and began dreaming of one day having a horse of her own. Alas, the years passed and she grew older. Would she ever get her dream horse?
"This book will inspire anyone who has a dream. We learn some “horsey” terminology, but more importantly, we are encouraged to hold onto our dreams. I love how this author turns every day life experiences into hope and inspiration."
White Lightning
She stood by herself. Her head was low; almost touching the ground. Her lower lip hung down and her eyes were closed. I knew her name so I called to her. “Winnie?” I said, but she ignored me. She looked sad, forgotten, and alone.
“Hey, girl!” I called, louder this time. Then I tried whistling to get her attention. Nothing. No movement. No response. I stood there for at least a full minute, willing her to open her eyes and look at me. I knew that she needed a home and a second chance. I needed a horse. Could this depressed and angry mare be transformed into my riding partner for life?
"Is there any relationship more marvelous than the one we forge with a second chance rescue animal? I loved the gentleness that was on display as Winnie transformed into Pearl the Wonder Horse (and then "White Lightning"). How wondrous to learn that a horse can hear our heart beat from afar and that a herd of horses will synchronize their heart rhythms to become as one. Oh, horses are glorious! There are so many powerful teachable moments to be had in sharing this book with learners of all ages. Jan Crossen understands the power of language (in all forms) and kindness. This story is sure to touch both hearts and minds. Another winner from an author and animal lover I greatly appreciate and admire."
Chick-a-dee-doo-dah
Chick-a-dee-doo-dah is a heartwarming story about a young girl’s memory of a special time shared with her grandfather on his chicken farm. This book is about the impact that experience had on her life. Six-year-old, Janet, visited her grandpa the day after he’d received a shipment of 200 baby chicks. Imagine her excitement at seeing all of those little yellow peeps! Pop-Pop took her hand, and they walked the dirt path to the white chicken house. These were Janet’s first steps towards one day raising chickens of her own. If you love chickens, you’ll enjoy this book!
“I read an ARC of 'Chick-a-dee-doo-dah' and have bought the Kindle copy for my 4 year old granddaughter. She and I are deciding what kind of chicks to raise this year so it couldn't have come at a better time! Besides being a doting Nana, I am a discerning reader of children's books in my role as public librarian and planner of weekly story times. Though I am recently retired, I look at all children's books through this lens. This one fits perfectly.”
Superpowered Ducks
We needed to grow our food. Plant eating slugs were destroying our crops and taking over the garden. Who would save the day? Da-da-da-da…Superpowered Ducks to the rescue! (Cue lights, a flash of smoke, and four caped heroes).
The ducklings arrived as babies, barely four days old. We got them to protect our garden from unwanted slugs and insects. At first, I had no idea just how amazing ducks were. Now I know they’re absolutely incredible! They practically have superpowers!
Okay, maybe not super-hero powers of extreme speed, strength, or x-ray vision, but in this book, you’ll learn about some pretty amazing abilities that ducks do have. Sometimes, they even change their gender!
Ducks are entertaining so is this story about two women raising four hens in order to protect their garden from slugs and insects. This book will amuse and teach some fascinating facts about ducks, Mother Nature, and life on the farm.
Deer Haven Farm
A Story About Wild Critters on the Farm
Deer, owls, squirrels, and snakes
Are some of the critters who live on our farm.
They are our neighbors but what is at stake?
They bring beauty and intrigue, but will they bring harm?
This book is for animal lovers and inquisitive readers who are curious about nature, biology, and the incredible wild animals in the Pacific Northwest. Based on true events, this story will entertain while teaching fascinating information about Orca Whales, Black-Tailed Deer, Barred Owls, Gray Squirrels, and Garter Snakes. This book is part of the Farm Adventures Series for early readers ages 6-9.
Jan Crossen, a Mom’s Choice Award-winning author said:
“I wrote this book in order to share the rich experience of living in the PNW. I want children to know about the amazing wildlife here, and to realize that these creatures lived here first. These animals behave according to their nature, and it is up to humans to adapt to living safely in the animals’ environment. I believe we need to create a safe habitat where all beings can thrive and live peacefully together.”
"This is a wonderful book for children (adults too)! The variety of animals we meet make it fun and educational. Author Crossen puts the reader in the story with her writing style…I felt like I was sitting in the yard amidst the discussion! I love the combination of education and adventure and learned a lot about the diversity of wildlife at and around Deer Haven Farm! What a great book!”