Kids' Corner

Gardens Galore!

May is the perfect time to look around and notice all of the things that are growing and blooming.  Here are some books in HPL’s collection about gardens . . .  they “may”  inspire you to do some planting of your own!

Quiet in the Garden  by  Aliki
A young boy observes all of the activity around him, as he sits quietly in a colorful garden. For ages 3 – 7

Wiggle and Waggle  by Caroline Arnold
Five short chapters about two earthworms who are best friends,  and their adventures in the garden.
For ages 4 – 8  (beginning reader)

Seedfolks  by Paul Fleischman
13 very different voices tell how a vacant city lot is transformed into a community garden, and how a group of strangers become friends.  For grades 4 – 6

Weslandia    (also) by Paul Fleischman
Wesley spends his summer vacation creating a self-sufficient civilization (complete with a staple food crop) in his backyard!   For ages 5 – 11

Sky Sweeper  by Phillis Gershator
As a boy in Japan,  Takeboki takes a job as the Flower Keeper at a Zen temple.  He spends his whole life happily tending the garden, and is rewarded at the end. 
For grades 1 – 4

Flora’s Surprise!   By Debi Gliori
While her older brothers and sisters plant flowers and vegetables, Flora plants a brick so she can grow a house!
For ages 4 – 8

Grow:  a Novel in Verse   by Juanita Havill
The neighborhood garden is in danger of being replaced by a parking garage, in this story narrated by 12 year old Kate.
For grades 3 – 6

Busy in the Garden   by George Shannon
24 short, cheerful poems about a garden in bloom, with energetic watercolor illustrations.  For ages 3 – 8

And, the storyline (334-6670) this month features Blooming Stories.

Happy Reading!
Ellen Xydias, Children’s Librarian
May 2009