South Aussie Kids’ Book Goes Global — George the Farmer Heads to US Classrooms
A brand-new South Australian children’s book is taking flight — all the way to classrooms across the United States!
We’re thrilled to share that Kangaroo Cornfield, the latest release from Penola-based social enterprise George the Farmer, has been officially included in the United States National Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix.
That means American children will soon be learning about food, farming, and fungi — with a little help from everyone’s favourite Aussie farm hero.
The book officially launches in Australia this week, with its US release scheduled for late November — marking a huge milestone for Australian publishing, education, and global agricultural literacy.
About the Book
When a mystery fungus hits a Nebraska cornfield, Australia’s favourite farm hero jumps in to help!
Kangaroo Cornfield is a cheeky, cross-continental tale of fungi, food systems, and a surprise kangaroo-shaped maze — teaching kids how farmers adapt, innovate, and have fun doing it.
When a funky fungus threatens Laura’s American corn crop, George the Farmer jets off to Nebraska to lend a hand. With maps, a harvester, and a whole lot of Aussie ingenuity, can the crew turn trouble into a-maize-ing fun?
This is the 14th picture book in the award-winning George the Farmer series, which now includes 19 titles, plus eight new decodable readers joining the collection by the end of the year.
Why It Matters
While the story is full of fun and colour, its purpose runs much deeper — to remind kids that food doesn’t just come from the supermarket. No matter where you live, farmers play a vital role in putting food on our plates, often in tough and unpredictable conditions.
The book also includes fascinating cross-country facts and a comparison of farming practices in Australia and the US, giving young readers an insight into how agriculture connects us all.
“This is a big win for rural education and cross-cultural learning,” says creator Simone Kain.
“It gives American kids a glimpse into Aussie farming life, and it shows Australian kids that what our farmers face here isn’t all that different to farmers on the other side of the world.”