Blue-Ribbon Radishes - (Farm Friends) by Kimberly Derting & Shelli R Johannes

About the Book

The country fair is only a month away when Vincent Van Goat eats all of Poppy's potentially prize winning cucumbers, and because there is not enough time to grow more, Poppy has to come up with a vegetable that will grow quickly (and can be protected from a greedy goat). Includes discussion questions, and tips for growing vegetables.

Book Synopsis

Poppy is determined to win a blue ribbon for her cucumbers at the county fair. But Vincent Van Goat is always butting in--as goats do. He gobbles up her cucumbers before the big day! Poppy must come up with a new plan. Luckily, she knows a lot about fast-growing vegetables--and Vincent's eating habits. If Poppy works hard enough, she might be able to present something at the fair after all. But will it be enough to win a blue ribbon?

Review Quotes

The Farm Friends books provide a delightful connection to agriculture for our younger elementary students. You can't help but fall in love with the main characters, Poppy and Vincent Van Goat. I especially like the links between Poppy's Chicks and the hatching science lessons found on the National Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix. This story brings to life the important responsibilities of providing the optimum environment for fertilized eggs throughout the hatching process and caring for the chicks after they hatch. The National Center for Agricultural Literacy enthusiastically recommends the books in the Farm Friends series as companion resources to go along with early elementary Matrix lessons.--Lynn Wallin "National Center for Agricultural Literacy"