I Love Strawberries selected for AITC Book of the Year

Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom’s annual Agriculture Literacy Week will take place March 13-17.

The organization has chosen I Love Strawberries, written by Shannon Anderson and illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett, as its 2023 Book of the Year. The book takes readers on a journey following strawberry-loving Jolie as she grows her own fruit from seedling to table with the help of her faithful rabbit sidekick, Munchy. The colorfully illustrated and humorous book gives readers a peek into everything involved when cultivating the delicious berry.

Agriculture Literacy Week is the largest educational event of the year for AITC, with thousands of volunteers reading to children across the commonwealth. Now in its 12th year, the program helps teach youth about the importance of agriculture, farming and the sources of their food.

“Volunteer agriculture advocates are excited to have an opportunity to share a book and personal examples about farm life with children from across the state. This book also highlights the importance and excitement around entrepreneurship. Creating a connection from farms to food is vital to understanding the importance of agriculture to our daily lives,” said Tammy Maxey, AITC executive director.

Copies of I Love Strawberries are available for purchase at

$14 each from Virginia AITC. A book order form is located on the Virginia AITC website, AgInTheClass.org.

In addition to the book, orders will include free supplementary resources to expand learning at school and at home. Volunteers are encouraged to read I Love Strawberries to children in pre-K through third grade. Virginia AITC also will share highlights on its social media platforms throughout the week.

Agriculture Literacy Week volunteers include county Farm Bureau volunteers, Farm Bureau women’s leadership and Young Farmers committees; FFA and 4-H members; partners from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and other state agencies; and members of other agricultural organizations and businesses. Colonial Farm Credit, Farm Credit of the Virginias and Southern States Cooperative Inc. have been supporters as well.

For details or to order books, visit AgInTheClass.org