Just in time for National Ag Day, the Georgia Peanut Commission is proud to announce the release of a newly published children’s book, “A Home Run for Peanuts.” Written by South Dakota author Amanda Radke and illustrated by Minnesota artist Michelle Weber, “A Home Run For Peanuts” takes young readers on fun adventures from a peanut farm to the baseball park.
“The Georgia Peanut Commission created this book for children to help them understand the process of growing and harvesting peanuts,” says Hannah Jones, Georgia Peanut Commission research and education project coordinator. “The information is told by a fun and colorful narrator, straight from the viewpoint of the farm.”
Readers will meet the story’s main character — a farm kid, Jake, and his dog, Max — as they explore his family’s peanut farm through the seasons. Along the way, Jake is studying at school and practicing with his baseball team, and he fuels his busy days with protein-rich peanut butter, of course.
“Through this vibrant and memorable story, we hope students learn about life on the farm, as well as peanut farming,” Jones says. “We want readers to know peanuts are not only delicious, but they are good for you, too! We hope to convey that message through this story and inspire families to incorporate peanuts into their daily menus.”
Throughout the book, Jake enjoys a wide array of peanut meals, from classic peanut butter sandwiches, to peanut butter protein balls, to peanut butter cookies and more. Jake is able to ace his tests and hit home runs, thanks to his nutrient-dense on-the-go peanut snacks. The book even features a kid-friendly, parent-approved recipe for, Game Day Peanut Butter Protein Bites.
“A Home Run for Peanuts” was written for second through fourth graders and includes a lesson plan and vocabulary list, perfect for teachers to incorporate into the classroom.
“We are excited to share this story with young readers and show them how farm families are just regular people who take pride in their way of life as they produce a home run crop to feed the world,” Jones says.
Copies of “A Home Run for Peanuts” are available at www.gapeanuts.com, on Amazon or in the Georgia Peanut Commission Gift Shop.