Photographer & Author Profile
John Churchman
8 Books
John Churchman is an accomplished photographer, artist, and farmer who co-created the popular "Sweet Pea & Friends" children's book series. He masterfully blends vibrant, real-life photography with digital art to illustrate enchanting stories about the animals living on his family's farm, such as in "The Sheepover" and "Alpaca Lunch." Working in tandem with his wife Jennifer, his unique visual style has captivated the imaginations of children everywhere.
Step onto Moonrise Farm and meet Finn, a tiny newborn lamb with a very big heart. Because he was raised cozy and safe inside the farmhouse, Finn is not quite as big or as strong as the other animals. When it is finally time for him to step outside into the wide world, everything feels completely new and a little bit scary. Strange sounds, unusual sights, and curious creatures are everywhere! But you do not have to be the biggest animal on the farm to be the bravest. With a gentle nudge from Farmer John and a lot of encouragement from his loyal barnyard friends, including the famous Sweet Pea, Finn is ready to find his courage. This heartwarming true story uses beautiful photographs of real animals to show you that bravery comes in all sizes, and a little help from your friends makes anything possible.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
Get ready to bundle up and celebrate with your favorite farmyard friends on Moonrise Farm! Sweet Pea the orphaned lamb is incredibly excited because her very first birthday is finally here. She cannot wait to share the special day with all the animals she loves. But just as the party preparations are coming together, a sudden surprise snowstorm begins to cover the farm in a blanket of white. Will the heavy snow mean her birthday party has to be canceled? Snuggle in and join the animals as they wait out the storm, share their favorite warm memories together, and discover the true magic of birthday wishes. Filled with actual photographs of cozy barnyard animals, this delightful winter tale proves that the best way to celebrate any special occasion is surrounded by the wonderful friends who care about you the most.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Wake up to a wonderful spring morning on the farm, where a colorful mystery is waiting just for you! Fern the bunny discovers something amazing: the squirrels have found a beautifully decorated egg tucked right inside their tree. And they are not the only ones! Mo the kitten, the fluffy goslings, the playful puppies, and the sweet lambs are finding hidden eggs everywhere. As you follow the baby animals from one clue to the next, you might spot two soft ears peeking above the grass or a fluffy tail dashing behind the barn. Someone is watching the fun, and the barnyard friends must work together to solve this springtime puzzle. Brimming with gorgeous photographs of real farm animals, this joyful adventure celebrates the thrill of a good mystery and the fun of discovering hidden surprises.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
Join Poppy, an adventurous young alpaca, as she explores the delicious treats growing all around Moonrise Farm! From bright yellow dandelions in the spring to juicy strawberries in the summer and plump pumpkins in the fall, Poppy loves trying every new plant she can find. But when a chilly frost arrives, the tasty snacks suddenly disappear. The fresh mint and colorful flowers are gone, and she cannot find the apples or squash anywhere. What will a hungry alpaca eat for lunch now? Luckily, a wonderful winter surprise is waiting safely inside the barn to keep Poppy and all her animal friends full and happy until spring returns. Filled with beautiful photographs of real farm animals, this charming story invites you to discover the changing seasons while exploring colorful, healthy foods that you might even want to try in your own meals.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
Meet Sweet Pea, a tiny, adorable orphan lamb who needs a little extra love. One freezing winter night, Sweet Pea becomes very sick, and everyone on the farm is worried about her. Thanks to the careful attention of Farmer John, a loyal sheepdog named Laddie, and the kind local veterinarian, Sweet Pea slowly begins to feel like her playful self again. To celebrate her wonderful recovery, she gets to have the ultimate farmyard celebration: a magical sleepover in the warm greenhouse! You are invited to join Sweet Pea and her best animal friends, Sunny, Prem, and Violet, for a night filled with joy, imagination, and coziness. Illustrated with breathtaking photographs of real animals from a working farm, this true story shows you the incredible healing power of kindness and how special it feels to share a wonderful evening with your closest friends.
6-8 Years
Step onto the bustling grounds of Moonrise Farm and welcome the newest arrival: an adorable puppy named Maisie Grace! Everything is thrilling in her brand-new home, but the busy farm is also a little overwhelming for such a small dog. As she explores, Maisie notices that every single animal has a very important job to do. The chickens proudly lay eggs, the strong pony pulls a cart for Farmer John, and the gentle sheep grow thick wool to keep everyone warm. Watching them work makes Maisie wonder: what is her special job going to be? With some wise guidance from an older dog named Laddie, Maisie is about to discover her true purpose. Featuring gorgeous photographs of the real animals you know and love, this heartwarming story shows you that no matter who you are, there is always a perfect place where you belong.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
Celebrate the warmth of the holiday season alongside the curious animals of Moonrise Farm! After a powerful autumn storm knocks down the beloved Old Pine Tree, Farmer John knows exactly how to turn a sad event into a wonderful surprise. He secretly draws up a plan to give the farmyard animals the most amazing Christmas gift they have ever seen. Piece by piece, a mysterious new structure begins to rise in the snow. The sheep, dogs, chickens, ducks, and alpacas can only watch in absolute wonder, trying to guess what Farmer John is building just for them. Gather around with your favorite furry and feathered friends to uncover the beautiful secret. Filled with stunning photographs of real farm life, this cozy holiday tale will show you the true spirit of giving and how beautiful it is to share a special surprise with those you love.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
Enter the magical world of The Happy Garden, where the very best friendships are always blooming! Meet Oliver, a cheerful little frog, and his dearest friend Flora, a tiny baby caterpillar. As they spend their days playing among the vibrant flowers and green leaves, they share a bond that nothing can break. But soon, Flora begins an incredible transformation, slowly changing into a stunning monarch butterfly. As she grows and changes, Oliver learns what it means to support a friend through a major life milestone. Will their friendship stay just as strong once Flora can fly? Journey alongside these two lovable companions in a heartwarming tale about growing up, adapting to change, and the power of unconditional love. This beautifully illustrated story reminds you that even when we change on the outside, true friendship always remains the same on the inside.
6-8 Years
