Glorious Green

“Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed. Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders.”—Henry David Thoreau

The sun is warm, the sky is blue, and the earth is ready to bloom with the glorious colors of flowers and vegetables. It’s time to get gardening! The books and Web sites assembled here are all meant to impart the wonder of the growing season to young people. Preschoolers will delight in the simplicity of Lois Ehlert’s bold graphic style while they appreciate the seasonal cycles in Growing Vegetable Soup and Planting a Rainbow. Early elementary children will marvel at the strength of Xochitl and her family as they pursue their dream of a garden like the one they left behind in El Salvador when they read Xochitl and the Flowers/Xóchitl, la niña de las flores. The poetry of Alma Flor Ada’s Gathering the Sun will inspire children with its vibrant presentation of the pride and power of those who work the land.

This collection also includes titles especially good for storyhour and circle time as well as some to use for experiments or garden projects. Some are poignant; some are silly; some are thought-provoking; some are serious explorations of science; many are filled with marvelous illustrations. What they all have in common is a celebration of the wonder of that plant springing up where the seed has been sown.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Fiction

ARGUETA, Jorge. Xochitl and the Flowers/Xóchitl, la niña de las flores. illus. by Carl Angel. Children’s Book Press. 2003. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-89239-181-2.

Gr 1-3 –In this bilingual story, young Xochitl and her family sorely miss their home in El Salvador, particularly their flower garden. When the family moves to a rented apartment, they turn the junk-filled backyard into a flower-filled oasis. Vibrant illustrations bring this warm and loving neighborhood to life. Share this with children who are adjusting to living in a new environment or when studying communities or immigration.

BROWN, Ruth. Ten Seeds. illus. by author. Knopf. 2001. Tr $9.95. ISBN 0-375-80697-0.

PreS-K–A little boy plants 10 seeds and, counting backwards, one seed at a time falls prey to one ant, one pigeon, one mouse, one slug, one mole, and one cat. Four small plants begin to grow and are lost to one ball, one puppy, and too many greenflies. The remaining bud blossoms into a glorious sunflower that dies leaving…ten seeds! Detailed illustrations on heavy paper invite children to celebrate the life cycle of the garden.

BUNTING, Eve. Flower Garden. illus. by Kathryn Hewitt. Harcourt. 1994. Tr $16. ISBN 0-15-228776-0.

PreS-Gr 1 –Rhyming text and jewel-toned oil paintings describe an urban child’s excitement at creating a window garden for her mother. Perfect for sharing at story or circle times, and also available in big-book format, this title should be a staple in every spring storyhour, proving that gardens can be created anywhere–even if you have to bring them home on a bus.

EHLERT, Lois. Growing Vegetable Soup. 1987. Tr $16. ISBN 0-15-232575-1; pap. $6. ISBN 0-15-232580-8.
––––. Planting a Rainbow. 1988. Tr $16. ISBN 0-15-262609-3; pap. $7. ISBN 0-15-262610-7. ea vol: illus. by author. Harcourt.

PreS-Gr 2 –With her distinctive bold graphics, Ehlert leads children through the annual cycles of both vegetable and flower gardens. Carefully labeled tools, seeds, and plants can be shared one-on-one, while the main stories are just right for group sharing. At the end of each book, the child narrator acknowledges the special pleasure of knowing that the process can be repeated next year. Vegetable Soup includes a recipe.

FLEISCHMAN, Paul. Weslandia. illus. by Kevin Hawkes. Candlewick. 1999. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-7636-0006-7; pap. $6.99. ISBN 0-7636-1052-6.

Gr 2-4 –Quintessential outsider Wesley puts his knowledge of science and history to use by creating his own civilization as a backyard summer project. Luxuriant acrylic paintings perfectly describe life in Weslandia–the food, the language, even a new sport. Any child who has ever dreamed of escaping to a place of his or her own making will delight in Wesley’s brilliant adventure.

FLEMING, Candace. Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! illus. by G. Brian Karas. S & S. 2002. RTE $16. ISBN 0-689-83152-8.

PreS-Gr 2 –Mr. McGreely has always dreamed of a garden, and when he finally puts those plants in the ground, he eagerly anticipates eating homegrown vegetables. Unbeknownst to him (but in full view of readers), three bunnies also have designs on those veggies. Despite Mr. McGreely’s best–and most ludicrous–efforts, the rabbits always seem to win. A giggle-producing refrain and humorous gouache, acrylic, and pencil illustrations make the story perfect for reading aloud. The munching, crunching sound effects in the read-along edition (available from Live Oak Media) add another layer of merriment.

FRAZIER, Craig. Stanley Mows the Lawn. illus. by author. Chronicle. 2005. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-8118-4846-9.

PreS-K –When his lawn grows too long, Stanley sets to work. “Up and back, up and back,” he mows straight lines until he suddenly hears something moving in the grass. Meeting Hank the snake, he devises a design concept pleasing to both–undulating rows of short and tall grass. Unusual perspectives in the computer-colored art, spare text, respect for another creature, and wonderfully grassy endpapers create a deceptively simple and thoroughly engaging package.

GARLAND, Sarah. Eddie’s Garden: And How to Make Things Grow. illus. by author. Frances Lincoln. 2004. Tr $15.95. ISBN 1-84507-015-1.

PreS-Gr 1 –Eddie wants his own garden, and so does little sister Lily. With mum’s help, Eddie learns what makes things grow and plants and tends his garden, while his mother keeps Lily from eating worms. As the garden grows, children discover along with Eddie the role of birds, insects, and other creatures in the natural cycle. Soft watercolors invite readers into the lovely English landscape, and the back matter includes information on how to reproduce Eddie’s garden in your own backyard.

GUEST, C. Z. Tiny Green Thumbs. illus. by Loretta Krupinski. Hyperion. 2000. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-7868-0516-1.

PreS-Gr 2 –Tiny Bun and Little Mouse enlist the help of “loving, wise, and very cool” Ganny Bun to help them learn the art of gardening. Alternating between Tiny Bun’s story and solid advice on how to plan, plant, and tend a garden, the text also addresses children’s fears that their gardens will never grow. When Tiny Bun laments his lack of green thumbs, Ganny counsels patience and perseverance. The attractive, vine-bordered garden endpapers hold more between them than one might expect.

KRAUSS, Ruth. The Carrot Seed. illus. by Crockett Johnson. HarperCollins. 1989. pap. $6.99. ISBN 0-06-443210-6.

PreS-K –This classic story of faith in what might grow from a seed still resonates with young children. Despite mother, father, and big brother’s stern reservations that nothing will sprout from his seed, a determined little boy continues to weed and water with unshakable optimism until he is finally rewarded with an enormous carrot. More than 60 years later, Krauss’s spare text and Johnson’s subtle illustrations are still fresh and compelling.

LIN, Grace. The Ugly Vegetables. illus. by author. Charlesbridge. 1999. PLB $15.95. ISBN 0-88106-336-3; pap. $6.95. ISBN 1-57091-491-5.

PreS-Gr 1 –A Chinese girl is disappointed with her mother’s garden. While neighbors are growing beautiful flowers, her mother is growing “ugly vegetables.” Not reassured by her mother’s promise that the vegetables are better than flowers, the child is surprised and pleased when the enticing aroma of her mother’s vegetable soup brings the neighbors out for a taste. This subtle multicultural story with folklike, color-drenched paintings includes a glossary and pronunciation guide as well as a recipe for the soup.

MAYER, Mercer. Grandma’s Garden. illus. by author. School Specialty. 2002. pap. $3.95. ISBN 1-57768-846-5.

K-Gr 1 –Little Critter and Little Sister help Grandma plant and tend her vegetable garden in this beginning reader. The children pick out seeds and assist with the weeding and watering. At the end of the summer, Grandma declares this her “best garden ever,” and Little Critter discovers that vegetables can be quite tasty. Mayer’s colorful trademark illustrations help make this an entertaining introduction to the joys of gardening for those just beginning to read independently.

PARK, Linda Sue. What Does Bunny See? A Book of Colors and Flowers illus. by Maggie Smith. Clarion. 2005. RTE $15. ISBN 0-618-23485-3.

PreS-K –Large watercolor-and-pencil illustrations combine with a rhyming text that leads children through a flower-filled garden with Bunny encouraging them to help “read” along and guess the colors that she sees. Format, repetition, and an introduction of new words make this an excellent choice for preschool story programs looking to build those important pre-reading language and vocabulary skills.

PETERS, Lisa Westberg. We’re Rabbits! illus. by Jeff Mack. Harcourt. 2004. RTE $16. ISBN 0-15-204671-2.

PreS –Three determined rabbits wreak havoc on a vegetable patch until the clever gardener discovers a way to share her crop. A lively, rhyming text is incorporated as a design element in the large, bold illustrations, making this a good choice for sharing with groups. Children will surely laugh at the rabbits’ exploits.

WELLINGTON, Monica. Zinnia’s Flower Garden. illus. by author. Dutton. 2005. RTE $14.99. ISBN 0-525-47368-8.

PreS-Gr 3 –Zinnia plans, plants, and tends her garden with great care and enjoys each phase with immense pleasure. The simple, main text can be easily used in storyhour, while the border art and gardener’s journal are perfect for one-on-one discussion or for independent readers. The detailed, colorful illustrations were created by using color copies of fabrics, combined with photos (many of which were taken in the author’s flower garden) pasted onto paper painted with gouache. Back matter includes instructions for growing your own flower garden.

Nonfiction

ADA, Alma Flor. Gathering the Sun: An Alphabet in Spanish and English. tr. by Rosa Zubizarreta. illus. by Simon Silva. HarperCollins. 1997. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-688-13903-5; pap. $6.99. ISBN 0-688-17067-6.

PreS-Gr 3 –Bilingual poetry celebrates not only the act of growing but also the pride and rich heritage of those who work the fields. The deep earth tones of the bold gouache illustrations reflect the sun-drenched, lush green landscape, forging a strong connection with the poems. Perfect for sharing one-on-one or in a group setting, this can be used in bilingual storytimes, for poetry units, or as a salute to Latino culture.

BROWN, Marc. Your First Garden Book. illus. by author. Little, Brown. 1981. Tr $12.95. ISBN 0-316-11217-8.

Gr 1-4 –Appealing cartoon illustrations are paired with simple directions for planting many different kinds of gardens from “A Desert Garden for Lazy Gardeners” to growing a salad. Brown includes historical gardening bits and gives advice on tools, identifying good pests, and what to do with the harvest. It’s really too bad this little gem is out of print; hang onto it if it’s still in your collection.

FOWLER, Allan. From Seed to Plant. (Rookie Read-about Science Series) Children’s Press. 2001. PLB $1950. ISBN 0-516-21682-1; pap. $4.95. ISBN 0-516-27307-8.

Gr 1-3 –Clear information about the development of seeds into plants includes illustrations that demonstrate the parts of plants and the processes of pollination, germination, and growth. In language suitable for newly independent readers, children will learn about seeds that are edible and those that are not. A glossary lists “Words You Know” and an index rounds out this useful title for classrooms and libraries.

GIBBONS, Gail. From Seed to Plant. illus. by author. Holiday House. 1991. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-8234-0872-8; pap. $6.95. ISBN 0-8234-1025-0.

PreS-Gr 2 –Employing her customary brightly colored, detailed illustrations and clear language, Gibbons describes the process of seed growth. Somewhat similar in scope to Fowler’s book, Gibbons presents the information in a format and style that makes it an enjoyable read-aloud for children just learning about this natural process. The inclusion of a bean-growing project makes this invaluable for both classroom and home study.

GIBSON, Ray. What Shall I Grow? photos. by Howard Allman. illus. by Kim Lane. Usborne. 1997. PLB $15.95. ISBN 0-88110-947-9; pap. $7.95. ISBN 0-7460-2715-X.

PreS-Gr 3 –This oversize book has small, hand-drawn illustrations paired with large, colorful photos and clear explanations for growing a variety of container gardens. From the silly “green-haired creatures” (grass grown in socks) to the more typical forced bulbs and moss garden, it should find a place on many classroom shelves and will also be a boon to parents looking for indoor gardening activities.

HART, Avery & Paul Mantell. Kids Garden! The Anytime, Anyplace Guide to Sowing and Growing Fun. illus. by Loretta Braren & Jennie Chien. (Kids Can! Series). Williamson. 1995. Tr $12.95. ISBN 0-913589-90-X.

Gr 3-5 –This plethora of information on planting, growing, and tending a huge assortment of plants can be used by students, teachers, and families as a tool for exploring and enjoying gardening and botany. Clear and amusing black-and-white cartoon drawings augment the text and increase the kid-appeal of this useful and entertaining book.

LERNER, Carol. My Backyard Garden. 1998. ISBN 0-688-14755-0.
––––. My Indoor Garden. 1999. ISBN 0-688-14753-4. ea. vol: illus. by author. Morrow. Tr $16.

Gr 4-6 –An oversize format with small watercolor-and-pencil illustrations belies the sophistication of these gardening books . Noted botanical illustrator Lerner gives precise directions for creating both vegetable gardens and growing a variety of houseplants. Instructions for planning, propagating, and tending are thorough and clear and the lovely, delicate art is flawlessly placed to expand the text.

MORRIS, Karyn. The Kids Can Press Jumbo Book of Gardening. illus. by Jane Kurisu. Kids Can. 2000. pap. $14.95. ISBN 1-55074-690-1.

Gr 4-8 –This title has almost everything any young gardener needs to begin myriad projects from the basics of growing vegetables and flowers, to growing native plants, to attracting butterflies and other wildlife, to school and community gardens. The text is extended with sketches that include a multicultural cast of young people. An extensive index rounds out this useful, engaging volume.

Ontario Science Centre. Plants. photos. by Robert Boudreau. (Starting with Science Series). Kids Can. 1998. Tr $10.95. ISBN 1-55074-193-4.

K-Gr 4 –Crisp, colorful photos, and clear instructions introduce these simple science experiments. Each project–from growing seeds to composting in a milk carton–contains information on materials, steps, and what is happening. Notes for parents and teachers are included.

PFEFFER, Wendy. From Seed to Pumpkin. illus. by James Graham Hale. (Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science Series). HarperCollins. 2004. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-028038-7; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-028039-5; pap. $4.99. ISBN 0-06-445190-9.

PreS-Gr 2 –Beginning with a farmer planting hundreds of pumpkin seeds in spring, Pfeffer shows young readers how a pumpkin begins to grow, how it makes food and takes it in, how it ripens, and how some become jack-o’-lanterns and pumpkin pies. The old plants die and in the spring the farmer again plants hundreds of pumpkin seeds, reminding children of nature’s cycle. Back matter includes additional facts and directions for roasting the seeds.

WINCKLER, Suzanne. Planting the Seed: A Guide to Gardening. Lerner. 2002. PLB $25.76. ISBN 0-8225-0081-7; pap. $7.95. ISBN 0-8225-0471-5.

Gr 4 Up –Advocating for organic gardening, Winckler provides a wealth of background information–hardiness zones, laying out different types of gardens, pests and how to deal with them, and what to do with your harvest–for young gardeners to consider. The history of gardening, from Native Americans to community gardens, makes interesting reading. Books and Web sites for gardening help, a glossary, and a thorough index complete the package.