For Lander Student, Children’s Book Is Story of Farming, Family and Faith

For Lander University student Emalie White, farming is about far more than planting seeds, tending crops and putting food on the table. It is about family, faith and gratitude for the people whose hard work produces things many often take for granted.

Those lessons are at the heart of White’s children’s book, But Who Made the Farmer?, written as a tribute to her grandfather Harmen Rice, of Elberton, Georgia, and the farming life that helped shape her own values.

Through a child-friendly introduction to agriculture, White helps young readers understand the important work farmers do and the countless ways agriculture touches their everyday lives. But the book also asks them to look beyond the farmer. Its central message is that while farmers nurture the land and help provide the things people need, God is the creator of the farmer and the ultimate source of those blessings.

Woven throughout the story are themes of perseverance, family and gratitude -- values White learned in part by watching her grandfather and that she now hopes to pass along to a new generation of readers.

Inspiration and Love for Agriculture

The inspiration for her book came in 2023 while White was working with the Clemson Cooperative Extension and the 4-H program. “Through that experience, I saw how important it is for children to understand agriculture and recognize where their food comes from,” said White, a Lander senior who is majoring in business administration and healthcare management and is pursuing pre-law and political science minors.

“My granddaddy was my greatest agricultural influence, and I wanted to create something that honored him, his hard work and the values he taught me. The book allowed me to combine that personal connection with my love for agriculture, children and faith.”

White, of Abbeville, said agriculture has shaped her personal and professional development. “My family’s agricultural background gave me an early appreciation for farming, while my work with Clemson and 4-H allowed me to see the educational and community side of agriculture. My experience working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture also helped me understand the important relationship between agriculture, government and public service.”

And while the book introduces children to agriculture, a farmer’s life and farming’s impact on people’s daily lives, “it also focuses on gratitude, family, hard work, stewardship and faith,” White said. “Most importantly, it reminds readers that although farmers grow and care for the things we need, God is the creator of the farmer and the source behind everything we have. My hope is that families can use the book to begin meaningful conversations about both farming and faith.”

She also wants the book to help children understand that food does not simply appear in a grocery store. “There are farmers, families and entire agricultural communities working behind the scenes to grow and produce what we use every day,” she said. “I want children to develop a greater appreciation for farmers and become curious about agriculture. Even if a child has never visited a farm, I hope the book gives them a personal connection to the people who help feed and serve their communities.”

The Art of Becoming an Author

Writing and illustrating the book were challenging and rewarding experiences. “I wanted the story to be simple enough for children to understand while still carrying a meaningful message for readers of all ages,” she said. “Creating the illustrations required just as much thought because I wanted them to complement the story and help children connect visually with farming and faith.”

Although her initial idea for the book began three years ago, White said she developed it more fully throughout 2025 and 2026. “The process involved a great deal of revising, editing and making sure every part reflected the message I wanted to share,” she said.

Then, came the next major step in the process – learning how to self-publish her manuscript. “The publishing process was a major learning experience. Because I worked through the process independently, I had to learn about formatting, editing, cover design, uploading the book, ordering proofs and preparing it for sale,” said White, who has business experience as owner of Grace Photography Company.

However, seeing the first proof copy made the work feel real. “There were moments when the process felt overwhelming but holding the finished book and eventually seeing it available on Amazon made it worthwhile.”

Finding Her Path in Life

Drawn to Lander because her mother attended the University and having other family connections to the school, White said through her “coursework, professional development activities, internships and campus opportunities, Lander has helped me strengthen my leadership, communication, business and healthcare knowledge.”

She’s also had the opportunity to complete healthcare internships and participate in career-readiness experiences to prepare her for graduate school. “My ideal career would allow me to combine nutrition, healthcare, education and public service,” she said. “Ultimately, I want a career where I can educate others, improve health outcomes and continue serving people and communities.”

As a published author, White has had opportunities to discuss the book, to be interviewed by the media and to read her book to children and homeschool groups. “Seeing children and families respond to its message has been especially rewarding,” she said, noting that she would love to write another book in the future.

“I have several interests and ideas that could develop into another story, particularly topics involving agriculture, faith, family and Southern life,” White said. “Right now, I am enjoying sharing But Who Made the Farmer? and seeing where this experience leads.”