When the Farmer Returns

by Hosanna Emily, Hannah K Dukes (Illustrator)

On a big farm, the cows are all loved by their Farmer—including Tiny Bull and Big Sister Cow.

When the Farmer goes on a long journey, he promises to come back and make the farm the most amazing Farm in the whole world (maybe with a roller coaster!). But even though he leaves the Helper with the cows, their jobs aren’t always easy while they wait for the Farmer.

Tiny Bull faces adventures, danger, biting flies, and Angry Bulls. Other cows forget about the Farmer, are lazy, and just have fun all day, but Tiny Bull and his sister must keep obeying because one day, the Farmer will keep his promise. Can they keep going until he does?

54 pages, Hardcover

Published January 31, 2026

About the author

Because of the grace of God, Hosanna Emily is a warrior poet: a warrior because God is her Father (which makes her a crazy-in-love princess) and she lives fighting to be faithful for the day Jesus’ Kingdom will come and a poet because she loves beautiful, truth-filled words. Thus, she fills her journal with poetry, her blog with urges to live for Jesus, and then writes books on top of that—from fantasy to middle grade and more—stories to inspire radical living for the coming King who is worthy.

On a normal day, you may find her homemaking on the family farm, going on long walks, singing worship, cooking healthy food, playing Frisbee, randomly dancing the Virginia Reel, dreaming of Jesus’ coming Kingdom, and enjoying life with her family of more than a dozen amazing people and her Church family of even more.

Reviews

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.7 stars (5/10 hearts). I read this story aloud to my 9-year-old brother and almost cried at the end. It's such a beautiful picture of the Christian life, super easy to read aloud, and embellished with lovely artwork! Well done to the author and illustrator :)

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*

[Laurel Luehmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

STELLAR.🥹
Some of my very favorite picture books as a child were allegories that had beautiful illustrations, and this one delivers on both counts.
I find that so many children’s books these days lack the beauty and excellence found in older illustrated children’s books, but Hannah K. Dukes’ watercolor illustrations were refreshingly adorable and restored my hope in the future of illustrated children’s books.🤭 And the way Hosanna Emily tells a story laden with rich meaning in her trademark lighthearted, whimsical voice is a delight.
I came away from this book smiling and with my anticipation for Christ’s coming heightened, and my desire to live more fully for Him deepened…all without feeling like I’d been hit over the head with a lesson. It’s a book to be savored by adults and children alike! I’m so looking forward to reading it to my own children one day, Lord willing.🥹

[Savannah McCrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Farmer Returns shares the message of the gospel through a story of cows waiting for the Farmer to return. I got my first cow last year, and cows are some of my favorite animals, so I loved that! The story was so well-told, clearly communicating deep truths through a whimsical farm tale! And the illustrations are beautiful, complementing the story perfectly! Like Hosanna Emily’s other books (which I also highly recommend!), this story will delight readers and point them to Jesus!

[Elyse]

✨ARC REVIEW✨

Farm analogy of the coming Kingdom set against the backdrop of sweetly illustrated drawings. I love Hosanna’s heart and her passion for the Lord, which is evident in everything she writes, this little picture book included. 🤍

[Chloe Field · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute little read that kids will love + parents will be blessed by! I honestly loved all the imagery + symbolism. ❤️ What first appeared to just be a fun picture book for kids turned out to also be theologically powerful in a way that surprised me! I'm sure readers will fall in love with Tiny Bull + Helper as much as I have. 🥰

Hosanna was so kind to offer me an ARC copy to review, but all thoughts are my own. 😊 I am not required to leave a positive review.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a precious story for children and adults alike. Follow Tiny Bull as he learns his role in an adventure grander than his wildest imagining. Readers learn, along with Tiny Bull, how challenges and choices shape and impact us and those around us. This story reminds readers we are each called to serve our unique God-given purpose for the glory of His Kingdom. An overall fun story to read with the young ones in your life. Cheer for Tiny Bull together!

[Lillian Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though a bit longer than most of the picture books I've read, I think readers will instantly be invested in Tiny Bull's story. (It's also such an adorable book; I mean, look at that cover!) The illustrations were just the right style for this sweet story. I can see kids eager to learn what happens to Tiny Bull, and giggling over the cows on the roller coaster. The author did a lovely job in writing an allegory of Christ's return, and the narrative is perfect for reading aloud as a family.

Thanks to the author for a free copy of the book! I wasn't required to leave a positive review, and all thoughts are my own :)

[Ellie Hollows · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a touching story with such sweet themes. I loved it, and I bet my siblings will too when I read it to them.

My Rating/Age Recommendation:
5 out of 5 stars/ Anyone

I received a complimentary ARC, but all opinions expressed are my own.