A farmer's hard work is rewarded in this eco-friendly and elegantly illustrated picture book.A New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Book of the Year In the town, everyone is sleeping. But not Paul. Paul mows. Paul rakes. Paul sows. Paul draws water. And soon Paul has beautiful plants and flowers growing all around him. But one day, the water dries up. The sun beats down. Paul despairs. But thanks to his animal friends, and a bit of rain, help is on the way . . . Filled with vivid illustrations of Paul's hard work, the brilliant blooms that begin to grow, and the scorching sun that threatens to ruin his crops, The Farmer is a gentle story emphasizing the importance of perseverance-- and the value of good friends.