Oh, this book makes me cry! Mark Ludy tells the story of a Farmer who cultivates so much more than a garden as he learns to share his love with others through suffering.

---

Product Description

The Farmer is a delightful, thought-provoking tale that children and parents will want to read again and again. Centered around the farmer and his animals, it is a story of patience, perseverance and faith. The book's message is powerful and timeless as it focuses on the qualities and values that build character.

The Farmer is a gentle, hard-working man who loves his animals and tends his fields with strong, caring hands. When a series of disasters destroys his crops, he is forced to sell some of his cherished animals to recoup losses and survive until the next planting.

The illustrations are richly detailed and filled with life and emotion. The artist has captured the farmer's broad scope of feelings, as well as those of his animals, as they cope with each misfortune. Parents and children will want to study the pictures carefully to pick out all the tiny details that make this such a charming story, and the surprise ending will warm the heart and have readers cheering for the farmer.

---

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #519228 in Books
• Published on: 1999-08-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 64 pages

From Publishers Weekly
A jolly farmer faces both the bounty and wrath of natureAand prays to God in good times and badAin this picture book about faith and perseverance. A rotund farmer with a fluffy white beard works hard tending his animals and crops, only to have his endeavors wiped out first by a tornado, then by a devastating fire set by neighbor boys. He patiently rebuilds each time, appreciating even the smallest signs of growth and recovery. And even in his hardship, the farmer does not forget the ill-behaved neighbors in their time of need. Ludy embodies his farmer with the traits of such biblical figures as Job and Noah while emphasizing prayer as a constant in the farmer's life. A few passages of text directed at the reader prove jarring ("Have you noticed Squeakers [the pig]?"), but in all, the tale unfolds smoothly. The illustrations are busy but focused, with most of the characters rendered in a mannered cartoon style (although some of the animals look out of place, a little Disney-ish). The settings combine detailed foregrounds with abstract (perhaps computer-generated?) backgrounds. Samples are posted on the publisher's Web site, at www. greenpastures.com. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
Farmer is a gentle, hard-working man who loves his animals and tends his fields with strong, caring hands. When a tornado destroys his crops, he is forced to sell some of his cherished animals to recoup losses and survive until the next planting. Mark Ludys unique, extraordinary picturebook. The Farmer is a thought-provoking and splendidly delightful story of patience, perseverance and faith. The Farmer offers the young reader an engaging message focused on the qualities and values that build character. The illustrations are richly

detailed and fill the pages of this outstanding picturebook.

The surprise ending is both

heartwarming and memorable. -- The Midwest Book Review - Childrens Bookwatch August 1999, page 3.

Mark Ludys illustrations make this book a visual masterpiece, blending photographic detail with exaggerated colors and expressions that exist only in a talented imagination. The cast of characters, balanced equally between humans and animals endure seasons of hardship before a bountiful harvest and a lesson in generosity come to joyful fruition. Leaning heavily on humility and spiritual perseverance, the books plot remains less embellished than its pictures. And some of the text is swallowed by a tight center margin detracting from an otherwise impressive layout. Still, young readers (and parents flipping the pages) will be spellbound by images more original than a blushing cow. -- The Bloomsbury Review November/December 1999; page 27, by Cyns Nelson

About the Author
Mark Ludy is an extraordinary artist with refreshing insight and exuberant talent. Having traveled quite extensively, his illustrations prove that life's drama knows no geographical boundaries. Indeed, his richly detailed pictures and sensitive character development have a deep impact on people everywhere. Known to the kids he works with as the "Human Cartoon," Mark has a way of capturing real life in a witty fashion that touches the heart and tickles the funny bone. Mark's commitment to excellence in his work and his desire to reach and teach people of all ages is clearly evident in this, his first full-length picture book.

Colorado is Mark's home sweet home. You might recognize him as the balding, smiley guy that is always either talking with the cow in the pasture, the kid on the tricycle or the bent-over elderly hobbling along the street. Mark's passion in life is PEOPLE, and he sees his art as just another means in which to connect.

---

Customer Reviews

Fantastic!
This is the kind of book you WANT your children to read and enjoy. Not only are the illustrations stunning and beautifully rendered but the story has had just as much thought and effort put into it as the pictures. This is quality children's literature.

The Original Artwork vs. The Book in Print

When I was a missionary, I ran into Mark Ludy, who wrote this book in Longmont, CO. As an artist myself, I found the illustrations to be quite breathtaking. Not only did I see his books in print, but I also saw the original artwork in very large frames and was quite impressed, so much that I'm buying "The Farmer" AND "The Grump" for my nephew this Christmas. In addition, you'll be glad to know your money is going to a good guy. He couldn't quite see our version of the gospel message as true; nonetheless, I was much impressed by his character.

I can't say much for the plot, as I didn't quite have the time to read it, but my review is unique enough to be helpful, eh?

Buy It! You won't be let down.

BEAUTIFUL ILLUSTRATIONS AND WONDERFUL STORY!!
This book is wonderful for people of all ages, it is not limited to only children. The illustrations are beautiful, paying attention to every detail! The story is very inspiring for the children to read. In today's society, it has become difficult to find books that you can feel good about your children reading; this is one of those books. Everyone should own this book! I love all of the characters and the pictures. I cannot say enough about this book! BUY IT! You will be so happy when you do!