Farmer’s Publishing House is a family-focused publishing company dedicated to bringing inspiring and enriching stories to readers of all ages. Guided by their motto, Planting Seeds of Knowledge, Reaping a Harvest of Wisdom, their mission is rooted in education, connection and helping families cultivate a love of reading.
This new Character Building Series features everyday kids learning big, important lessons. Each story promotes SEL (social emotional learning) with different themes like: patience, emotional regulation, hope, kindness and confidence. The books also bring disability and health awareness right into the heart of story time. Within the pages you’ll find characters with autism, Type 1 diabetes, vitiligo, albinism and physical disabilities. I like that kids get the chance to see themselves represented or to learn more about friends whose experiences may differ from their own.
Each book includes reading comprehension and critical thinking questions at the end to extend learning in such an easy, natural way. They open the door to great conversations between kids and grown-ups.
I wanted to highlight three favorites from the collection and why I think they’re such great additions to any child’s bookshelf.
Patience is tough for kids. Kaylee shows readers that waiting isn’t always easy, but slowing down can lead to some pretty great outcomes. Her story encourages kids to pause, breathe and trust the process. I think it’s great that these books provide real examples children can relate to in their everyday routines.
Liam lives with vitiligo, and instead of seeing it as something to hide, he discovers that what makes him different is actually what makes him special. His superpower is embracing the skin he’s in. The message is empowering for all kids, especially those who might feel self-conscious about something unique to them.
Logan has autism, and his story gently teaches readers about emotional regulation and how to navigate overwhelming moments. Logan’s strategies for calming down are practical and encouraging. It’s a great reminder that everyone can find peace, even in busy or loud environments.
This series gives kids tools they can use in real life. It inspires them to be more patient, more kind, more aware and more confident in who they are. I’d recommend the books in this series for schools, daycare centers, homeschool co-ops, after-school programs, Sunday school or a home library. You can purchase the whole series or choose just the titles that best match your reader’s needs and interests.
Below, I’ve included a few additional questions you can ask kids after reading the book Kaylee Learns Patience.
- What can you do to stay calm and patient when you’re waiting for your turn on the playground?
- What can you do with your body and hands if you’re waiting for an adult to finish talking?
- How can you keep yourself from feeling frustrated while you’re waiting for food when you’re really hungry?
- When you’re waiting to play with a toy someone else is using how can you show kindness while you wait?
When I feel impatient I can…
(Example prompts: take a deep breath, count to 10, think about something else, talk to myself kindly)
Another Extension Activity
Create a “Patience Plan” with a grown-up. Choose one time of day when you will practice being patient this week. At the end of each day, draw a smiley face if you remembered to stay patient.
Why this matters
When kids learn that waiting is normal and doable, they build emotional regulation, flexibility and confidence. Practicing patience helps create calmer classrooms, smoother daily routines and more positive interactions with others.
Your turn:Did you find this helpful? Are you looking forward to checking out the books in this series?
