Kind Words & Reviews - Sweet Pea & Friends

Harmony, Love, Caring for Animals. Best Gift Book for Children of All Ages

When I first joined the Facebook community of Sweet Pea & Friends, I was captivated with the stories of the farm and the animals. THEN WOW! With now book in hand, I’m really in awe about how great a book Sweet Pea & Friends The SheepOver is. As an artist, I am taken in by the exquisite design and the photographic illustrations — evolved from live shots at the Churchman farm. The depth of color awakens the magical imagery! I appreciate so much holding such a well-conceived and well-made book.

John and Jennifer Churchman have created a book full of wonder, love, beauty, and care. And they have modeled gracious animal husbandry all the while. I am grateful to know this story that actually shows us all a path to care for farm animals in trouble: the veterinarian with her expertise, the farmer with his concern, the animals pitching in to help support dear Sweet Pea as she recovers. How valuable for the whole planet in this time of environmental crisis! With this story of hope, The SheepOver shows the importance of fellowship among animals and people. This book has my highest recommendation.

Anna Mosby Coleman

Best. Storybook. Ever.

This book is uniquely beautiful! The story of Sweet Pea and her barnyard friends who come to her aid when she is sick is delightfully written and illustrated. “Farmer John” has brought this to life with gorgeous photography Jennifer Churchman’s simple, but eloquent, writing makes this true story one that every child (and adult) will love. When Sweet Pea recovers, she throws a “sheepover” party for her “knitting club” and all the barnyard animals.

I’ve been to the farm and met Sweet Pea, Laddie and many of the other animals in the book. I got five copies for my grandchildren and friends, and Farmer John included a copy for my local library! I got special notecards, too! This book is a true treasure.

Warren F. Kitzmiller

John and Jennifer, wonderful photographers, writers and farmers, have brought to life the animals on their small farm in Vermont. We know animals have personalities, but after following posts on Facebook, we feel like we know these sheep, dogs, pony and even the turkeys, ducks and chickens! The SheepOver is a warm and caring story about an injured sheep (Sweet Pea, of course) who is lovingly brought back to good health by her farmers, with the help of her animal friends. Any child will love this book, and so will adults! Everything about it merges so beautifully – the pictures, the story and the beautiful backgrounds. These sheep, and the farmers, are very, very special. It’s a wonderful gift, and plan to keep a copy for yourself, as well!

Sara Beers

Brave Little Finn is an amazing, wonderful and delightful story, made all the more so because it is true! It tells the story of Finn, a lamb who was born early and too small to survive on his own. Raised in the farmhouse, when he ventures outside he is very shy and easily scared by all the wonders he encounters but his barnyard friends encourage him to be brave.

Jennifer and John Churchman have woven their wonderful photography, art and writing together, producing a delightful book thank will bring a smile to every face regardless of age!

“Be brave, Little Finn. We’re all here for you . . . always.” Look at that little face! Could it be any cuter? You will treasure this book.

Warren F. Kitzmiller

This book is a treasure to cherish and makes the perfect gift for any age.

This delightful book for all ages, far exceeds your wildest expectations! The photographs and imagery are exquisite. The true story of little lamb, Finn, holds lessons for all of us. This book is a treasure to cherish and makes the perfect gift for any age. The story, photos and artistry combine to delight any reader. A must have on your holiday list or baby shower gift! Thank you Churchman’s for documenting life on your lovely Moonrise Farm in Vermont.

LovesGoats

Caring/Compassion/Trust~~ By USN Chief, Ret.

“I can’t believe that ‘Brave Little Finn’ is finally here! And, this one is also a true story from the Moonrise Farm about a baby lamb named Little Finn. He was born early, in the winter and not very strong so Farmer John (and many others) came to his rescue. Little Finn was taken into the farmhouse and even had to wear a diaper! Imagine that! Farmer John whispered into his ear ‘Be brave – we’re always here’ when he carried Little Finn to the farmhouse. And, being brave despite many obstacles is the inherent theme in this delightful book. For you see, Little Finn, is afraid of nearly everything when he finally goes out in the spring. There are lots of other animals on the farm including dogs, a pony, a goose, a frog, a duck, and even a hummingbird, a spider and some bees. That old Ford tractor is even in the barn which is so typical of a Vermont farm. And, of course, Little Finn is afraid of that, too. Grandfather Snow, the elder ram of the farm makes a cameo appearance which is outstanding. Both had witnessed a lunar eclipse and Little Finn expressed his fears to his grandfather. ( Minor spoiler follows…) Being a wise elderly ram, he does ask Little Finn what happens when he is afraid. Little Finn says that ‘my friends help me’. So, there you have it, boys and girls. Despite your fears and apprehensions which may be large or small, when you are fearful count on your friends to help you get over the scary parts. And, you will be there for them, too. ‘You can do it’ is heard echoing around the hills near Essex, Vermont. More educational moments include bee pollination and the lunar eclipse which will spark the interest of the little ones. They will also be able to identify many animals that are illustrated. Caring, compassion, being brave, trusting your friends, overcoming fears and much, much more are all contained in this book. I didn’t check the recommended ages for this story but I enjoyed each and every page. So, I would say for ages 3 to whatever! At the very end of this book, the true story of Little Finn is told and he is described as a ‘miracle kid’. Once again, we see the true nature of Vermonters coming to assist in times of need. And, I feel a short trip to Moonrise Farm in my future! The pictures are indeed beautiful and the process is explained at the end of the book. They are done digitally as well as by hand. Most highly recommended. This is indeed the best book for children that I have read this year. Well done to my Vermont neighbors.” ~ USN Chief, Ret.

USN Chief Ret.

5.0 out of 5 stars~~Caring/Compassion/Trust~~ By USN Chief, Ret..VT Town

TOP 500 REVIEWER on October 4, 2016 Format: Verified Purchase I can’t believe that ‘Brave Little Finn’ is finally here! And, this one is also a true story from the Moonrise Farm about a baby lamb named Little Finn. He was born early, in the winter and not very strong so Farmer John (and many others) came to his rescue. Little Finn was taken into the farmhouse and even had to wear a diaper! Imagine that! Farmer John whispered into his ear ‘Be brave – we’re always here’ when he carried Little Finn to the farmhouse. And, being brave despite many obstacles is the inherent theme in this delightful book. For you see, Little Finn, is afraid of nearly everything when he finally goes out in the spring. There are lots of other animals on the farm including dogs, a pony, a goose, a frog, a duck, and even a hummingbird, a spider and some bees. That old Ford tractor is even in the barn which is so typical of a Vermont farm. And, of course, Little Finn is afraid of that, too. Grandfather Snow, the elder ram of the farm makes a cameo appearance which is outstanding. Both had witnessed a lunar eclipse and Little Finn expressed his fears to his grandfather. ( Minor spoiler follows…) Being a wise elderly ram, he does ask Little Finn what happens when he is afraid. Little Finn says that ‘my friends help me’. So, there you have it, boys and girls. Despite your fears and apprehensions which may be large or small, when you are fearful count on your friends to help you get over the scary parts. And, you will be there for them, too. ‘You can do it’ is heard echoing around the hills near Essex, Vermont. More educational moments include bee pollination and the lunar eclipse which will spark the interest of the little ones. They will also be able to identify many animals that are illustrated. Caring, compassion, being brave, trusting your friends, overcoming fears and much, much more are all contained in this book. I didn’t check the recommended ages for this story but I enjoyed each and every page. So, I would say for ages 3 to whatever! At the very end of this book, the true story of Little Finn is told and he is described as a ‘miracle kid’. Once again, we see the true nature of Vermonters coming to assist in times of need. And, I feel a short trip to Moonrise Farm in my future! The pictures are indeed beautiful and the process is explained at the end of the book. They are done digitally as well as by hand. Most highly recommended. This is indeed the best book for children that I have read this year. Well done to my Vermont neighbors.

USN Chief

I am so much in love with the animals of Moonrise Farms!! John & Jennifer Churchman have captured the sweet essence of their animals’ personalities through photography and adorable storytelling!! Our grandchildren love “The SheepOver” and are looking forward to our copy of “Brave Little Finn”. But as a dog lover, I will be ‘over the moon’ when John & Jennifer’s future books are written about their delightful border collies Maisie Grace, Laddie, and the three precious puppies!!!

Jane Stumbaugh Carden

“I discovered Sweet Pea by accident, as I was reading some obscure book review newsletter. I linked to the local bookstore (local to Moonrise Farms), and there was Sweet Peas face. I melted, ordered the book in about 30 seconds, and waited to read SheepOver. As I waited, I scoured the internet, discovered Moonrise Farms, and all the loves of that geography. I grew up as a farm girl with a sheep as a pet, helping my dad sheer sheep. The book arrived, I read and cried and laugh. Mostly I felt love. Immediately I ordered the book as gifts for friends across the country. Friends I knew would appreciate a sheep over of love at the moment. Thank you all lovers of Moonrise Farms!”

Shirley Baugher

When the “Knitting Club” gets together for a Sheepover anything can happen!

My wife and I have been avidly following the adventures of Farmer John, Jennifer, Ollie, Sweat Pea, Mighty Finn, Sadie, Violet, Prem, Laddie, Quinn, Cyrano, Mazie and the rest of the farm for several years know. We just received our early-supporters box with books, lambs made from Sweat Pea’s wool and other goodies. John even gave us a copy to take to the elementary school library where my wife was Principal. (see photo- MMKA Librarians receive their own copy)

The book is a treasure. John’s photography and post-photography work is nothing short of brilliant. The book production is first rate and the neat thing is that the story and the characters are all real. In fact, John often invites supporters to his Vermont farm to meet the various animals we’ve all grown vicariously to love.

The grand-daughter is getting a copy and her own lamb for Christmas. Cannot recommend this book too highly.

James Petersen