Author & Illustrator Profile
Marla Frazee
3 Books
Marla Frazee is an acclaimed author and illustrator of children's books, having earned two Caldecott Honors for her exceptional artwork. She has written and illustrated beloved original picture books such as "A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever" and "Boot & Shoe." In addition to her own stories, Frazee is highly recognized for illustrating the popular "Clementine" chapter book series written by Sara Pennypacker.
Books in "The Farmer"
A baby clown bounces off a circus train and lands in a quiet farmer’s field. The farmer is not expecting company, and the little clown is far from home. With almost no words, their day together unfolds through pictures full of surprise, tenderness, and small comic moments.
The Farmer and the Clown invites you to read the illustrations closely: faces, gestures, and tiny changes tell the story. The lonely farmer and the lost child come from very different worlds, yet their meeting slowly becomes something warmer than either of them planned.
For ages 6 to 8, this wordless picture book is a beautiful choice for building visual literacy, storytelling confidence, and empathy. Readers can notice clues, describe what they see, and shape the story in their own words.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
The farmer’s quiet life has barely settled down when another circus visitor appears. This time, a playful monkey follows him home, bringing noise, motion, and mischief into a place that is usually calm.
In this nearly wordless follow-up to The Farmer and the Clown, Marla Frazee tells the story through expressive pictures rather than long explanations. The farmer is not sure what to do with such an energetic guest, and young readers get to watch every funny, tender, and unexpected moment unfold.
The Farmer and the Monkey is a thoughtful picture book for ages 6 to 8, especially for children who enjoy reading images closely. It is about friendship, patience, and the way a surprise visitor can change the feeling of a home without needing many words at all.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
The little clown and the monkey miss the farmer, so they play at being farmers while life at the circus goes on around them. Then the farmer arrives for a visit, stepping from his quiet world into their bright, busy circus family.
In this final book in The Farmer trilogy, Marla Frazee uses pictures and spare storytelling to explore friendship across very different places. Young readers can look closely at the characters’ expressions, movements, and surroundings to understand what is happening and how everyone feels.
The Farmer and the Circus is a tender picture book for ages 6 to 8 about reunion, belonging, and the joy of seeing a friend in a new setting. It is especially rewarding for children who enjoy wordless or nearly wordless stories that let them help tell the tale.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
