Would you rather live on a farm or by the sea?
In A Farm by the Sea, Jillian Packer uses simple lyrical text and exquisite illustrations to reveal life on a farm and by the sea.
The story is narrated by the youngest member of the family, and we experience life through her daily rhythms.
The day begins with the farm chores and saying ‘Good Morning’ to all the animals.
She helps with the milking, egg collecting, and feeding the horses. Then there is wood to collect, fruit to pick, and birds to ‘shoo!’
After the chores are done, she hears the sea calling for her to come and play. It is an utter delight to watch her exploring, imagining, and dancing over the course of a single afternoon.
Her favourite rock pool is a source of inspiration and discovery, with shells and sea creatures to find. She takes tea with ‘Mrs Sea Sponge’, and dances across the page amongst the swirling seagrass in a joyful wordless double-page spread.
The illustrations are detailed and invite the reader to discover hidden delights. Tiny flowers, rocks, and creatures can be found if you look closely. Maggie the dog is the girl’s ever present companion, and the illustrations reveal her having adventures of her own.
In the late afternoon, it is time to say ‘Goodbye’ to the sea and ‘Goodnight’ to all the animals. There is dinner, bath and one last look at the sea before bed.
A Farm by the Sea is based on debut author Jillian Packer’s own childhood spent on a farm on the South Australian Coast. This book is delightful and a reminder of the joy that can be found spending unhurried time in nature.
Title: A Farm by the Sea
Author/Illustrator: Jillian Packer
Publisher: Berbay, $26.99
Publication Date: 3 June 2025
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922610997
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book
