Book Review – GARDENING

Scarecrow
written by Cynthia Rylant  illustrated by Lauren Stinger

There is a peacefulness to this book that begs for the words to be whispered.  The illustrations tell their own story and pausing to enjoy the picture happened on every page.  The Scarecrows life unfolds through the pages as he stands in the garden.  Time passes and his surroundings change with the seasons.  My favorite detail is the garden.  In the beginning it is nothing more than a patch of earth, the gardener preparing the soil.  By the end the same gardener has tended to her garden, harvested her garden, and even stored her tools for the winter.  Beautiful!

How a Seed Grows
by Helene J. Jordan  illustrated by Joseph Low

This book is a gold mind for gardening week, (and is most likely going to extend it another week or two!)  Along with describing the differences in seeds, this nonfiction book contains of a recipe for a simple gardening project.  The project:  to plant one bean seed in each 1-10 numbered eggshells.  Each day remove one bean and observe any changes or similarities from the day before.  The words speak right to the child.  “You can plant bean seeds yourself.”  “Plant one seed in each hole.”  “Watch your seeds.”

The directions are so simple, I can’t wait to see if M and M can carry out this science experiment with minimal help from me!  I think we’ll wait until our current seedlings go into the ground.  If you have beans at home (like from your bean box) give it a try and let me know how it goes!

The Curious Garden
by Peter Brown

Peter Brown did a fantastic job with this book.  I think this might even go on my buy list. . .which is a big deal for me.  I rarely buy books since our bookshelf is already overflowing and library is so very FREE!  There are two characters in this book.  Liam and his curious garden.  The town he lives in is cold and void of any greenery,
until Liam stumbles upon a tiny patch of weeds.  He spends months tending to the weeds until they spread.  He learns to nurture a garden with trial and error.  Then he learns even more by reading, investing in tools, and using the experience he’s gained.  The garden is really alive in this story.  It playfully stretches it’s roots exploring different places.   There are a few more really cool details. . .but I think I’ll let you discover those on your own!

This book review is part of a Garden Lesson Plan… Like this book review?  Spread the word and link to it on facebook!

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