by Julie Fogliano
Wednesday, May 8, 9:30AM -11:00AM

This story brings the anticipation of spring as a young boy and his dog eagerly plant a garden after a long winter. They dig, they plant, they play, they wait…and wait for the first signs of spring. Following the story, there will be a visit to the Farmstead Gardens to plant seeds and enjoy a snack of carrots with hummus.

by Tom Percival & Christine Pym
Wednesday, June 12, 9:30AM – 11:00AM

This is a story about Alfonzo the goat, his prized coat, and his journey to finding that helping others is more important than his treasured possession. Before diving into the tale, children will craft a goat coat puzzle. As this story about kindness unfolds, children will remove a puzzle piece of the coat each time Alfonzo helps a friend. Following the story, children will meet the Billings Farm goats and enjoy a snack.

by Rita Gra
Wednesday, July 10, 9:30AM – 11:00AM

Flowers are calling to all the animals of the forest, “Drink me!”—but it’s the pollinators who feast on their nectar. This beautifully illustrated tale explores the interconnectedness of nature and the cooperation between plants, animals, and insects. Following the story, children will visit the Farmstead Gardens, make a paper plate flower, and enjoy a snack of apples slices and honey.

by Ken Brown,
Wednesday, August 14, 9:30AM – 11:00AM  

Chicken really admires Scarecrow’s straw hat. Scarecrow would gladly trade his hat for a walking stick to rest his tired arms. Chicken doesn’t have a walking stick to trade—but she knows someone who does.  Following the tale’s themes of friendship, bartering, and problem-solving, children will embark on a scavenger hunt around the farm, trading items with the animals.  Each exchange will bring participants closer to earning a prize to take home.  This session will include a snack of garden veggies and homemade ranch dip. 

by Suzanne Fossey
Wednesday, September 11, 9:30AM – 11:00AM  

Have you ever wondered what happens to a seed when it is planted in the ground?  Through this journey of growth and pollination, children can see the life cycle of a sunflower.  Following the story, children will visit the Sunflower House, collect sunflower seeds to plant in next year’s home garden, and enjoy a snack. 

by Janay Brown-Wood
Wednesday, October 9, 9:30AM – 11:00AM  

Join Amara on her quest to find pumpkins for a tasty pumpkin dish to serve at a potluck.  Children will visit the pumpkin patch and enjoy an exploration of gardening and healthy eating along the way.  The session will include a pumpkin-themed craft and a chance to taste yummy pumpkin bread. 

by Billy Steers
Wednesday, November 13, 9:30AM -11:00AM  

Sibley the horse lives on Stony Meadow Farm and is a hard worker year-round. Then Tractor Mac arrives at the farm, and suddenly, everything that Sibley used to do, Tractor Mac does, too. In this tale, Sibley and Tractor Mac learn about cooperation, teamwork, and helping each other out. Following the story, children will have a chance to meet a draft horse, climb on a tractor, and enjoy a snack. 

by Jennifer Marino Walters
Wednesday, December 11, 9:30AM – 11:00AM  

Winter is the time for bundling up, playing in the snow with a new snowman friend, and catching snowflakes on your tongue before winter fades to spring.  Following the story, children will make a bird feeder to hang in the orchard for birds to enjoy.  The session will include a snack of strawberries and animal crackers. 

by Carl R. Sams II & Jean Stoick
Wednesday, January 8, 9:30AM – 11:00AM  

Forest animals, awakened by the birds’ warning that there is a stranger in the woods, set out to discover a wonderful surprise.  Following the story, children will take their own woodland adventure into the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, to look for signs of animals with a park ranger and to build a snowman, weather permitting.  This includes a snack of carrot sticks and hummus. 

by Tammi Sauer
Wednesday, February 12, 9:30AM – 11:00AM  

Rooster and his farm friends are ready for springtime play. But not Cow, who can’t seem to dress for the weather.  This tale brings laughter and learning as Cow wears mittens in spring, ski-pants and wool in summer, and a bathing suit and flip flops in winter.  Children will learn about the seasons and join the chorus of “Not NOW, Cow!”  Following the story there will be a four-seasons sorting craft and a snack.