Bunnies wiggle their noses, goats make a maa sound, cows give lots of milk and horse complete fieldwork and give sleigh rides. These things can be learned in Candy Mullen’s new book, “Earthway Farm; Picture Book of Our Farm Animals.” The book was released this week by the farm. Using a digital camera, Mul-len took pictures of the animals around the farm. She wrote a text to go along with the photos and the book was created. “We got the idea to write a book when a few friends asked us if we ever thought of writing a book [about the farm],” said author Mullen. Co-owner of the farm, Patty Dease said “We are trying to share different animals with kids.” The book fulfills this purpose as it introduces children to farm animals and tells characteristics about each animal. The book also explains the function of the animals, their physical appearances and the sounds that each makes. The book is interactive, asking the children to make a moo sound like a cow, or wiggle their noses like bunnies. “We wanted to include education in our farm,” said Mullen. “The main thing we like about the book is people getting to know the different animals and being able to identify them.” The book is a fun, educational way for children to learn about the farms, or share the tours of the farm with their friends and family. “So far, we have had a good reaction to the book. One lady came in and said she did daycare. She wanted the kids to learn about farm animals [and saw the book as a great resource],” said Dease. The pair also mentioned that the book is a hit with grandparents who want to share farm animals with their grandkids. Based on the success of this book, the pair plans on writing and producing another book on baby animals. “We hope that it will be a big hit, as many visitors enjoy seeing the baby animals,” said Dease. Tours available Earthway Farms is just beginning its annual tour season which runs from mid-April to October. Throughout the season, the farm will host around 3,500 kids from throughout the state. The tour groups learn about various animals and life on a farm. The book can serve as a resource for these visitors, particularly students from the metro areas who never have been to a farm or seen farm animals. The picture book can be purchased on the farm located in South Haven for $13.95. They can also be order through O.M. Publishing by writing P.O. Box 173; South Haven, MN 55382.
