Written with love from his own childhood memories on a New Zealand farm, Ned Barraud has captured a rural kiwi summer perfectly on the page.

For all who have experienced farm life for themselves, At Home on the Farm will ignite their own memories. For those who haven’t known it, this rhyming picture book will bring it alive.

From paddock to barn, to eaves and trees, At Home on the Farm introduces many inhabitants and their quirks. Some hide from the sun, or soak it up after their work is done for the day. A farm cat relishes the many mice hiding amongst the hay bales, while the cows enjoy their hay for breakfast. A smelly goat watches fat kererū, and a rat causes a ruckus in the henhouse.

Each facet of the farm is explored in rhyme, whether it be bird, beast or bug. Despite all that is going on in the many spaces and pockets of the farm, the background stillness of the land captured me from the beginning – while it waits in silent semi-slumber for much needed rain.

A welcome addition to New Zealand bookshelves in city and country collections.

Author / Illustrator – Ned Barraud

Picture Book

(2025, Scholastic NZ, New Zealand, Aotearoa, Farm, Animals, Rain, Drought, Native Birds, Domestic animals, Cows, Chickens, Cat, Rats, Frogs, Magpies, Rural, Country, Paddocks)