GROWING GREEN
A First Book of Gardening
By: Daniela Sosa
Published: March 25, 2025
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Non-Fiction
In Iowa, Mother’s Day usually marks the time that it is warm enough to start planting flowers and a garden. I planted my garden last week after realizing the low temps would finally stay above 50 degrees. If you have a child excited to try planting a garden or some flowers, this is the perfect book to read with them. After reading this book, kids will learn how to grow 15 different fruits, vegetables, and flowers. From strawberries in rainboots to celery in a pot to a tin can herb garden, it doesn’t matter where you live; you can grow all of the items in an outdoor garden or in a few pots on a windowsill.
The book begins with an introduction to starting your first garden and all the items you might need, like compost, a trowel, a watering can, and some seeds. But you can also use what you have, like tin cans, yogurt containers, or a milk jug for watering. To get started, kids will learn that it is important to look after their plants and learn when they need watering, when to move the plants to a bigger pot, and when to pick them for eating.
Each page spread shares something to try growing, such as strawberries, with a suggestion of what to grow them in. There is a list of items that you will need, including a type of container, some tools, stones or gravel, compost, plants or seeds, a trowel, and plant food. Then, a basic paragraph explains the item you are growing and what to expect for production/harvesting. Then, with illustrated steps, kids will know exactly what to do all along the way until harvest time. Each page-spread also includes a legend that shares the season for growing, the harvest time, and the best place to grow the plant.
Whether you live in a small apartment or a house with a huge yard, there is something in this book that your child can try growing. I remember the excitement of planting carrot and radish seeds as a child in our garden and then going out a few days later to see the green shoots sprouting up from the ground. Then in a few more weeks going out to pick my first radish or carrot from the ground. Growing your own food or flowers is a great learning experience for your kids. Through trial and error, you’ll learn together what plants work best for your climate and space, and maybe your child will be able to make a meal out of everything that they grew or make a bouquet of some flowers.
To purchase a copy of GROWING GREEN, click HERE.
Get ready for your gardening projects with the children’s tool set.
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Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.
Posted Under Book Review, Children's books, Daniela Sosa, gardening, non-fiction