Tokyo Digs a Garden

K-Gr 3—Young Tokyo lives with his mother, father, grandfather, and cat in a small house that his grandfather has lived in since childhood. When Grandfather was a boy, the house was on a hill surrounded by the beauty of nature. Now, the house is surrounded by the tall buildings of a city. One day, Tokyo is gifted three seeds, which he plants in a tiny space by the house. The very next day, there are wildflowers growing. The following morning, the city is overtaken with trees, shrubs, and flowers. Throughout the week, the garden grows so much and so many animals move in that it is difficult for the people of the city to go about their business. Grandfather suggests that Tokyo come up with a solution. His decision is one that he feels is best for all. This bright and colorful picture book inspires imaginative thinking. Readers will wonder what the three seeds could possibly produce and will be thrilled as they see the lush garden begin to grow. The illustrations, created digitally with watercolor, ink drawings, and collage, are big and blocky and could be used in and of themselves as an art lesson on the illusion of space through collage. The text is neither too simple nor too complex but just what is needed to relate this imaginative tale of environmentalism.