Grandpa's Garden

K-Gr 2—This story follows the growth and tending of a garden throughout the seasons. While the theme is fairly standard, the book stands out because of its use of colorful language: "The days are still short and the light is sharp like lemon juice." In early spring, Billy and his grandfather prepare the ground; when the days are warmer, they plant their vegetables, and wait. Finally, they enjoy a healthy harvest, and then, "August is sending the soil to sleep…but spring will follow." Ultimately, the message is that gardening takes patience. The book concludes with tips for planning a vegetable patch and instructions for what to do in each season. The vibrantly colored spreads show Grandpa and Billy working through each stage of their preparations and enjoying their work and being together. The cutaway scenes that show what is beneath the garden surface are particularly charming. Pair this with Judith Caseley's Grandpa's Garden Lunch (Greenwillow, 1990) for a garden-themed storytime.—Jasmine L. Precopio, Fox Chapel Area School District, Pittsburgh, PA