The farmer works hard day and night on his beautiful garden. As a result of his hard work, the garden is successful. Then one day the water dries up, and with it the farmer's garden. All of this is completely out of the farmer's control and he despairs. Fortunately, the animals in the surrounding area band together and help the farmer to save the farm. Illustrations are simple but refined with a limited color palette and elevated by the use of patterns and repeating imagery.

The author is a successful illustrator living in Spain.

France. Originally published in French as Le Potager by Le Joie de Lire in 2017. English translation by Grace Maccarone and Kelly Loughman published in the United States by Holiday House in 2018.

A farmer's hard work is rewarded in this eco-friendly and elegantly illustrated picture book.

A New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Book of the Year!

In the town, everyone is sleeping. But not Paul.

Paul mows. Paul rakes. Paul sows. Paul draws water. And soon Paul has beautiful plants and flowers growing all around him. But one day, the water dries up. The sun beats down. Paul despairs. But thanks to his animal friends, and a bit of rain, help is on the way . . .

Filled with vivid illustrations of Paul's hard work, the brilliant blooms that begin to grow, and the scorching sun that threatens to ruin his crops, The Farmer is a gentle story emphasizing the importance of perseverance-- and the value of good friends.


Named to the USBBY Outstanding International Books List