Watch It Grow
Ivan Bulloch, Emily Hare (Illustrator), Daniel Pangbourne (Photographer), Diane JamesBooks.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Overview
This book sets out to show that gardening is a fun and creative activity, and that the seeds of enthusiasm for it can be sown in early childhood. Bright and colorful photographs show children carrying out a range of gardening activities, both outdoors and indoors, from raking up leaves to planting colorful containers.Clear illustrations support the photographs in instructing children about a host of planting activities. They are shown how to grow from seeds and from bulbs, how to "prick out" and "harden off" seedlings, and how to care for established plants by feeding, weeding, staking, and "deadheading".
Children are advised on essential tools and suitable clothing, and given tips on selecting and coordinating flowers by color, checking on the health of plants, fighting off garden pests, and on various methods of propagation. Prospective young diggers are introduced to the vast spectrum of plants that can be grown without too much trouble or expense -- not only flowers for decorative bouquets and displays, but plants in containers, vegetables such as tomatoes and beans, and herbs. There is also advice on when to harvest fruits and vegetables and on drying herbs.
Through becoming actively involved in gardening, children not only learn some basic botany, they experience genuine creative thrills in seeing plants grow, and come to appreciate that the living things that share this planet with us are to be cherished.
Synopsis
Covers all the basics of gardening and cooking how to get started, what tools to use and fun activities. 'How to do it' sections demonstrate specific projects. Short chapters keep readers interested in moving on to the next step.
School Library Journal
Gr 2-4-A cheerful whirlwind tour of gardening. Each subject gets two facing pages, plentifully illustrated with colorful photographs and drawings, and includes a "how to do it" section. Topics include categories of plants, garden tools, growing plants from seed, transplanting seedlings, planting bulbs, garden maintenance, growing vegetables, herbs, various garden creatures, propagating plants, arranging flowers, and indoor plants. Photographs of smiling children tending beautiful plants are inviting, as is the clear, encouraging text. Organic gardening is emphasized, as is a spirit of care for the earth. This is a rudimentary introduction that needs an experienced gardener-helper and more complete information books to aid novice gardeners. Tracy Maurer's Growing Flowers, Growing Vegetables, and Growing House Plants (all Rourke, 2000) go into a little more depth.-Carolyn Jenks, First Parish Unitarian Church, Portland, ME Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.