A Green Kid's Guide to Composting

Gr 1–3—This set contains clear and concise instructions and information that encourage kids to enjoy all aspects of gardening while taking responsibility for the Earth. Young readers will appreciate the frank language-worm poop gets a lot of play-and accessible analogies (a raised bed is compared to a bed for people). The tips and advice are quite good: in Garden Pest, students learn that ants hate mint, and in Composting it's explained that you shouldn't put meat, oil, or dairy into a compost "because animals will get into your compost pile." The cheerful illustrations are particularly charming; they depict kids of all sizes and hues working together, using tools, and caring for their plants. Like the text, these drawings are clear and helpful. Each book is rounded off with an activity, some of which, like "Grow Seedlings" (in Watering Plants) can even be undertaken in colder months. Great nonfiction for early readers.