In Our Garden

Gray days spur a child to come up with a creative solution to ennui.

Millie realizes that a rooftop garden could be just what the school needs. Millie shares their idea with the other students, who are initially skeptical. The teacher finally agrees, though a rooftop garden will be a lot of work.

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With the help of the community, they build their garden, and wait…and wait…and wait for their seeds to sprout and for the brown soil to be filled with colorful vegetables. Once sprouted and grown, the produce comes in a deluge, and all of the children get to take home veggies in an assortment of colors. Reminiscent of Christian Robinson’s art, Crowton’s extraordinary illustrations are appropriate for a child audience; Millie, who just moved from “more than an ocean away” and has pale skin and dark hair, and the racially diverse students look as though they could break the fourth wall and start talking to the reader. The primary colors are bright and clear and can easily be seen from a distance during a read-aloud. Miller’s lyrical prose is breezy and engaging, emphasizing how important teamwork is when it comes to creating a successful garden and that the waiting period between planting and growing can feel excruciating. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A nourishing delight. (Picture book. 4-7)

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