Usborne Farmyard Tales & First Experiences by Heather Amery - 10 or 20 Books Set | Classic Early Reader Series

Welcome to Apple Tree Farm—where every page hides a little yellow duck and every story makes a young reader fall in love with books.

One of the most beloved early reader series in the world, Usborne Farmyard Tales has introduced millions of children to the joy of reading since its first publication. Created by Heather Amery and brought to life by the iconic illustrations of Stephen Cartwright, these charming pocket-sized books (15 x 15 cm) follow the adventures of Poppy, Sam, their dog Rusty, and farmer Ted with his trusty tractor—all set on the warmth and wonder of Apple Tree Farm. This set also includes the First Experiences series, which gently prepares children for real-life milestones. Available as a set of 10 (random selection) or the complete set of 20 books.

What's Inside

• Farmyard Tales (15 books) – Funny, heartwarming stories featuring Poppy, Sam, Rusty the dog, and Ted the farmer. Each adventure on Apple Tree Farm is full of gentle humor, relatable situations, and the kind of warmth that makes children want to read "just one more."
• First Experiences (5 books) – Stories that help children navigate new and sometimes scary real-life experiences—like a first visit to the dentist, a first airplane trip, or a stay in hospital—with reassurance, humor, and confidence.

The Famous Hidden Yellow Duck 🐥

On every single page of every Farmyard Tales book, Stephen Cartwright has hidden a tiny yellow duck somewhere in the illustration. Finding it has become a beloved ritual for generations of children—turning every reading session into a delightful game of hide-and-seek that keeps little eyes glued to the page.

Choose Your Set

• 10 Books (Random Selection) – A wonderful surprise mix from the Farmyard Tales & First Experiences collection, perfect for a first introduction to the series
• 20 Books (Complete Set) – The full collection for the ultimate Usborne experience—ideal as a complete gift or for building a home library

Why Parents & Educators Love This Series

• Dual-Text Method – Parents read the upper text, children read the simpler lower text—perfect for shared reading and building confidence
• Pocket-Sized Format – 15 x 15 cm, easy for little hands to hold, carry, and treasure
• Timeless Illustrations – Stephen Cartwright's warm, detailed artwork has captivated children for decades
• Real-Life Themes – Farm life, animals, and everyday experiences children recognize and love
• Interactive Element – The hidden yellow duck on every page makes reading an active, joyful game
• Trusted Publisher – Usborne is one of the world's most respected children's publishers
• Perfect for Travel – Compact size makes them ideal companions for journeys, waiting rooms, and holidays

Perfect For

• Children aged 3–7 years old beginning their reading journey
• Parents looking for quality English-language books for early readers
• Bilingual families introducing children to English through story
• The perfect birthday, holiday, or "just because" gift for young readers
• Nurseries, kindergartens, and primary school classrooms
• Collectors of the beloved Usborne Farmyard Tales series

About the Creators

Heather Amery was one of Usborne's most prolific authors, having written over one hundred titles for the publisher. Her work is distinguished by the ability to simplify complex concepts for young readers, using the dual-text method where parents read the upper text and children tackle the lower—a technique that has helped countless children build reading confidence naturally and joyfully.

Stephen Cartwright is the legendary illustrator behind the Farmyard Tales artwork, whose warm, detailed, and endlessly charming illustrations have made these books instantly recognizable to generations of families worldwide. His hidden yellow duck—appearing on every page—has become one of the most iconic features in children's publishing.

Some books are read once and forgotten. The Usborne Farmyard Tales are read a hundred times, passed from older siblings to younger ones, carried on holidays, and remembered for a lifetime. This is what a first book should feel like.

Set Details

• Series: Usborne Farmyard Tales & First Experiences
• Author: Heather Amery
• Illustrator: Stephen Cartwright
• Publisher: Usborne Publishing Ltd
• Available as: Set of 10 (random) or Complete Set of 20
• Format: Paperback, pocket size
• Dimensions: 15 x 15 cm per book
• Language: English
• Recommended Age: 3–7 years old
• Special Feature: Hidden yellow duck on every page!
• Edition: 2022