Local farmers-turned-authors John and Jennifer Churchman have penned a third picture book featuring the animals on their small farm in Essex. Released last month, A Farm for Maisie introduces young readers to sheepdog puppy Maisie Grace, who finds herself in over her fluffy black-and-white head when she arrives at Moonrise Farm on a snowy day. Laddie, an older dog, patiently introduces Maisie to the animals and their special jobs around the farm — from the sheep whose wool is spun into yarn to the chickens, ducks and turkeys who lay eggs. Ultimately, Maisie finds a job of her own. The sweet book contains the same original style of fine-art photo illustrations as the Churchmans' two previous books, The SheepOver and Brave Little Finn. And fans of Maisie and Laddie can see the playful pups up close and personal at local book signings this month.

A Farm for Maisie: Little, Brown & Company, $17.99, ages 4-8. The Churchmans will read from the book on November 4 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Galaxy Bookshop in Hardwick; November 17-19 at the Vermont Hand Crafters Craft Vermont art show in Burlington; November 25 at 10:30 a.m. at Next Chapter Bookstore in Barre, at noon at Bear Pond Books in Montpelier and from 2-3 p.m. at the Flying Pig Bookstore in Shelburne. Learn more about the Churchmans' work at sweetpeafriends.com.