A big-eyed bunny and his mouse friend plant a tiny garden, caring for their seeds, rain or shine, until they can enjoy their cabbage, carrot, and tomatoes. When a group of hungry birds shows up, the mouse and rabbit are unwilling to share, and their "seed of selfishness" grows into a "heap of trouble." The tide turns when the little mouse finds an unblemished tomato and offers it to the avians. The birds return with sacks full of seeds, and the book ends with all manner of animals enjoying the fruits of an enormous garden. Nelson's sumptuous paintings are both naturalistic and expressive. The rich colors, low point of view, and realistic animal faces bring the reader right into the picture e lifelike plants are scrumptious enough to eat, and the sunny scenes glow with warmth. Though some may balk at the didactic lesson, this fable-like story with charming critters enacting a conflict that will likely be familiar to Nelson's intended audience is so gorgeously illustrated that it's a pleasure to read.

PreS-Gr 2 A fuzzy, brown rabbit and a tiny notch-eared mouse plant tomato, carrot, and cabbage seeds and then wait for the plants to grow and produce. As they bide their time, the two sit in the rain, nap, and read books. Readers will notice the sky beginning to fill with birds, which the rabbit and mouse don't see until the fruitsor vegetablesof their labor are ready to eat. Then five winged creatures descend and look expectantly, in a priceless illustration, at the two farmers that try to protect their bounty from the intruders. A verbal argument and scuffle ensue until they all reach an understanding. After the seed of cooperation is planted among the seven characters, peace reigns and friendship grows. Nelson's charmingly realistic illustrations skillfully show the passage of time and humorously accurate emotions and body language. The textures shown in the fur and feathers and the small details in the large oil on canvas paintings create images for study (and framing). The message, so clearly read in the illustrations, is a universal truthyou reap what you sow and when shared with others, your joy will be magnified. VERDICT A timeless and delectable picture book choice. Maryann H. Owen, Children's Literature Specialist, Mt. Pleasant, WI