M IS FOR MASON JAR: A Homesteading Alphabet
Written by Carolyn Bennet Fraiser
Illustrated by Sally Anne Garland
From canning cucumbers to scattering seeds in the soil, children play an essential role in homesteading, learning valuable skills that foster self-reliance, gratitude, and a deeper connection to nature. This book is perfect for families looking to engage children in gardening, cooking, and sustainable living—whether they live in the countryside or a city apartment. Each page highlights a different homesteading activity, sparking curiosity and encouraging kids to take part in the rewarding work of growing, making, and appreciating the bounty of the earth.
Promoting Literacy. M IS FOR MASON JAR is not just about homesteading. Every page features multiple words that begin with that letter so emerging readers can hear the sound that letter makes as they learn the alphabet in a fun, engaging way. And it’s a great way for older students to learn more about alliteration and even begin writing their own stories using this poetic device.
M IS FOR MASON JAR
A Homesteading Alphabet
Publisher: Familius Books
Distributor: Abrams Books
ISBN: 9781641709668
Nonfiction Picture Book
Grade Level: Preschool-K
NOW AVAILABLE!
Order Your Copy:
Highland Books |Bookshop
Barnes & Noble | Amazon
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Fall 2025 Orchard Tour (& More):
August 9: Summer Festival at Brevard College in Brevard, NC
August 23: Mason Jar Day at Mary C. Jenkins Community Center in Brevard, NC
August 30-September 1: Labor Day Harvest Festival at Grandad’s Apples in Chimney Rock, NC
September 5: Whiteville Primary School in Whiteville, NC
September 6: NC Honey Festival in Whiteville, NC
September 13: Young Readers Series with Malaprop’s Bookstore at The Hop Ice Cream in Asheville, NC
September 27: GG’s Library in downtown Prosperity, SC
October 4: Farm City Day at Jackson Park in Hendersonville, SC
October 10-11: Homesteaders of America Conference at the Warren County Fairgrounds in Front Royal, VA
October 16: Cabarrus County 4-H Event in Concord, NC
October 18: J and M Orchards in Hendersonville, NC
October 25: Appalachian Women’s Museum in Dillsboro, NC with City Lights Bookstore
November 1: Fall Fiesta at Brevard College in Brevard, NC
November 8: Gaston Writers Expo at Gaston Library in Gastonia, NC
November 29: Hendersonville Curb Market in Hendersonville, NC
December 6: Light Up the Night in Brevard, NC
FREE Downloads & Activities for Kids
26 Ways Kids Can Get Involved on a Homestead
- Find an apron that fits just right.
- Measure the ingredients for batter.
- Gather the spices and supplies for canning.
- Roll and cut the dough for biscuits or donuts.
- Collect eggs from the henhouse.
- Help your family prep the soil for the planting.
- Pick vegetables from the garden.
- Make gifts for friends and neighbors.
- Remember to use insect repellant before going outside.
- Enter your favorite items in county fair competitions.
- Help the grownups cook dinner.
- Volunteer to feed the animals.
- Collect, wash, and sort mason jars.
- Measure fabric for sewing projects.
- Pick fruit from trees.
- Carry a basket of supplies to the garden.
- Help fold quilts and blankets after taking a nap.
- Prepare potatoes, radishes, and garlic for storage.
- Learn how and why to seed-save for next year.
- Take a ride on the tractor with a grownup.
- Clean up under the beds.
- Greet people who visit your homestead.
- Pump and fill water buckets and troughs on the farm.
- Make sure pens for all the animals are always latched.
- Help carry the wood for the fireplace or wood stove.
- Spend a night outdoors under the stars.
Visit my Pinterest page for more Mason Jar Recipes & Crafts.
Interviews and Other Media
“Homesteading with Kids” (Helping Families Be Happy podcast on 7/14/2025)
“Monster Pickles in Mason Jars” (Reading with Your Kids podcast on 7/27/2025)
“Author Spotlight: M is for Mason Jar” (Preserving My Sanity blog on 7/29/2025)
“Coming in August: M is for Mason Jar” (The Childrens and Teens Book Connection blog on 7/30/2025)
“Take 5 with Carolyn Fraiser” (Take 5 blog on 8/4/2025)
“Interview and Review of M is for Mason Jar” (Picture Book Buzz blog on 8/12/2025)
“Carolyn B. Fraiser, Children’s Book Author” (My Creative Life podcast on 8/17/2025)
“Author Interview with Carolyn Fraiser” (Write2Ignite blog on 8/28/2025)
“M is for Mason Jar Review and Giveaway” (Carol Baldwin’s blog on 9/5/2025)
“Author Carolyn Bennett Fraiser on Concept Books” (Blissfully Bookish blog on 9/11/2025)
Interview with Kyle Morgan (Write2Ignite podcast on 9/15/2025)
M Is For Mason Jar Book Review and Giveaway (Sally Matheny, 10/17/2025)
I am available to speak at schools, museums, libraries, homeschools, and other events. Click the link below to find out more information about availability and rates.
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