Farmer Herman and the Flooding Barn

A story about 344 people working together to solve a big, big, big problem

By Jason Weber, illustrated by 344 people with Kaylinn Strock. Broadstreet Publishing Group, 2016. 48 pages. $14.99/hardcover. Recommended for ages 4–9.

Farmer Herman and the Flooding Barn is a fine picture book telling the true story of many hands working together to provide a surprising solution to an imposing problem. An old proverb tells us that “many hands make light work,” and Weber’s story shows both the spirit of community effort and the spirit of creative problem solving to relocate Farmer Herman’s barn to higher ground to prevent flooding. In the spirit of community, the colorful artwork for the book was created by over 300 kids and adults. This creates a uniquely wide visual appeal but with a coherency provided by the coloring and shading of the abundant art by Kaylinn Strock.

The book also includes addenda directed more at adults or advanced readers that briefly describes the circumstance of the actual barn moving and includes a plea for support for foster children, their families, and potential foster families. The book was produced with the support of the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO) and Broadstreet Publishing. Farmer Herman and the Flooding Barn provides an engaging message and would be a welcome addition to a home, school, or meeting library.