3 Reasons Why You Should Read Best (Worst) Farmer Ever by Pat Cummins and Michael Wagner, Illustrated by Louis Shea

3 Reasons Why You Should Read Best (Worst) Farmer Ever by Pat Cummins and Michael Wagner, Illustrated by Louis Shea

What’s the book about?

The cows have broken the fence!

The sheep are acting funny.

There’s a boat that has to be put into a tree!

And someone really must stop the birds from eating all the apples!

There’s no end of work for Farmer Pat, his son Albie and their dog Normie. But that’s not a problem because Farmer Pat always knows exactly what to do! Kind of.

A rollicking father-son adventure that captures a laugh-out-loud day on the farm, while featuring a cheeky cast of animals.

Recommended for: 

Ages 3+

Three reasons to read it: 

  1. At its core, Best (Worst) Farmer Ever is about Farmer Pat and his son, Albie, trying their hardest to take care of the farm together with their loyal dog Normie. Even though things go a bit wrong (okay, a lot wrong), what really shines is the sweet, supportive bond between a dad and his child. Kids will see that you don’t have to be perfect to be awesome, and that working together, even on a messy farm day, can be a lot of fun.
  2. Cummins isn’t just the Australian cricket captain, he’s also a first-time farmer and a devoted dad, and this book is inspired by his real life on the land with his young son. He teamed up with acclaimed children’s author Michael Wagner to tell this fun story, and it shows! The story feels genuine, personal, and full of love, like it came straight from their own backyard (with a few extra goats and giggles).
  3. Illustrated by bestselling artist Louis Shea, the pictures in Best (Worst) Farmer Ever are bursting with color, energy and expressive characters. Kids will have fun pointing out tiny details. Shea is known for creating books full of visual comedy, and this one’s no different. It’s a feast for little eyes and perfect for exploring together, page by page.

Buy a copy of Best (Worst) Farmer Ever here.

About the author:

Pat is captain of the Australian Men’s Test and One Day International cricket teams and has been pivotal in re-shaping team culture and leading them to global success across all formats of the game. Pat has received many global cricketing accolades over the years, most recently being named the 2023 ICC Cricketer of the Year. A successful elite sporting career hasn’t diminished Cummins’ interests off the field. Pat has a keen interest in business and aligns himself with organisations dedicated to creating lasting impact. Pat appreciates he has a responsibility to use his position and influence for the good of others and is committed to supporting initiatives involving education, sustainability, First Nations communities and health. Pat lives in Sydney with his wife, Becky, and son, Albie.

Michael Wagner is the author of more than 80 books for children including the much-loved Maxx Rumble series, the CBCA Notable picture books Why I Love Footy, Why I Love Summer and Bear Make Den (which he co-authored with Jane Godwin) and the So Wrong series which was shortlisted for multiple children’s choice awards in 2019 and 2020.

Louis Shea’s bestselling books include Where’s Santa?, Where’s the Easter Bunny? and We’re Going on an Egg Hunt. As the son of an artist and art teacher, he was destined to be an artist. He lives in Armidale with his partner, two children and a border collie.

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Publisher details

Best (Worst) Farmer Ever
Authors
Louis Shea, Michael Wagner, Pat Cummins
Publisher
HarperCollins
Genres
Children’s Fiction, Children’s Picture Book
Released
29 July, 2025
ISBN
9781460764749

Synopsis

The cows have broken the fence!
The sheep are acting funny.
There's a boat that has to be put into a tree!
And someone really must stop the birds from eating all the apples!

There's no end of work for Farmer Pat, his son Albie and their dog Normie. But that's not a problem because Farmer Pat always knows exactly what to do! Kind of.

A rollicking father-son adventure that captures a laugh-out-loud day on the farm, while featuring a cheeky cast of animals.

Pat Cummins
About the author

Pat Cummins

Pat is captain of the Australian Men's Test and One Day International cricket teams and has been pivotal in re-shaping team culture and leading them to global success across all formats of the game. Pat has received many global cricketing accolades over the years, most recently being named the 2023 ICC Cricketer of the Year. A successful elite sporting career hasn't diminished Cummins' interests off the field. Pat has a keen interest in business and aligns himself with organisations dedicated to creating lasting impact. Pat appreciates he has a responsibility to use his position and influence for the good of others and is committed to supporting initiatives involving education, sustainability, First Nations communities and health. Pat lives in Sydney with his wife, Becky, and son, Albie.

Books by Pat Cummins

Michael Wagner
About the author

Michael Wagner

MICHAEL WAGNER has written many books for children, including the Maxx Rumble series, the Undys series and the picture book Why I Love Footy. He has also worked as a radio broadcaster with the ABC, written and produced award-winning animation for TV, and written and performed music and comedy.

Books by Michael Wagner

Louis Shea
About the author

Louis Shea

Books by Louis Shea

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