The Brightside: Farmer Abe’s Stories
MARYLAND – A Maryland author with a unique upbringing set out on a mission to create timeless children’s books. However, a unique take on love and acceptance through his stories about farm animals is gaining popularity and coining a name for himself as Farmer Abe.
“The greatest thing we can learn from these stories is that love has no boundaries and that’s so cool, and that’s something I’m very passionate about,” says Abraham Keys a.k.a Farmer Abe.
Keys, better known as Farmer Abe originally grew up in South America with 11 other siblings; His parents were missionaries, all while living on a farm.
A home-schooled kid with a vast knowledge of caring for animals, and because of his unique upbringing, when he came to Maryland, his stories inspired him to write a book. “I want this book to be that kind of story, something that in 20 years, someone is going to say hey I had that book when I was growing up,” says Farmer Abe.
It’s called “When Donkey the Chicken had Baby Ducks,” Based off of one of his chickens named Donkey. “When I started writing the book, I just thought it was a cute story, you know here’s a chicken who lived in my backyard who hatched out baby ducks, how many people can say that.” Farmer Abe adds, “I guess I probably would have thought there would probably be some kids who might like it, maybe some grandparents but to have those stories where you didn’t expect the way that it would move somebody, make them feel something is just one of those things that you can’t just really describe.”
The book, while based on animals, represents being loved and accepted. Which Farmer Abe says has resonated with readers beyond what he ever intended. “It could be foster care or that lady whom I shared my story with who started crying, and saying as a mom of two daughters in interracial marriages, this book meant something to her and her grandchildren,” he tells us. Farmer Abe goes on to say, “It’s okay to be different, it’s okay for a chicken to love a baby duck, and it’s okay for us to love one another even if we don’t look a way that some people would say 20 years ago wasn’t traditional.”
From the illustrations, to the beauty in the message of the book, Farmer Abe says he now wants his book and future books to mean something more. Representing current culture, and pushing love, a concept he grew up with and hopes others will do the same. “It’s not about how many books you sell, how many people follow you, but knowing that your message is touching people.”
Now since the release of his second book, “Moo Moo the Dog Adopts a Baby Pig,” he tell 47 ABC, his farm in Maryland, his experience, and his interactions with others will only inspire more stories to come; Making both books, two of a five-part series. “They’re all going to have that same great message of being different is okay because love is the greatest thing and you’re going to see that throughout all five of the books,” says Farmer Abe.
For those wishing to write their own book, or those struggling to feel love and accepted, Farmer Abe leaves a message for his readers, “Your story is still unique, which makes you unique and nobody can take that away from you and I think that’s really important.”
Farmer Abe’s books are available on Amazon. If you’re looking for a board-book copy, you can contact him directly on Facebook.
