Copyright Date:
2022
Edition Date:
2022
Release Date:
05/16/22
Illustrator:
Aguilera, Pati,
Pages:
1 volume (unpaged)
ISBN:
1-646-86495-6
ISBN 13:
978-1-646-86495-9
Dewey:
782.42
LCCN:
2021949404
Dimensions:
26 cm
Language:
English
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews
A community grows plants to the tune of an original song.In an unnamed city, neighbors, friends, and families gather to grow a garden on the roof of a colorful building. The community members, of various skin colors, ages, and backgrounds, happily plant seeds, mark rows of veggies, water soil, and harvest food used to cook up a feast that they all enjoy together. The timeline is compressed, and the frustration that sometimes comes with gardening is omitted. However, the joy of growing one's own food and enjoying it with others comes through loud and clear: "A garden feast! Oh, what a treat. // Prepare the food and take a seat." The singsong text, which is narrated in rhyme with repetition of the first and last lines of each quatrain, doesn't highlight any particular characters or families. The words are actually lyrics to a song composed for the book and sung by British vocalist Holly Torton. While the lyrics might work better when sung rather than read, the book can be appreciated for its effort at combining music with instructional storytelling. Aguilera's colorful illustrations keep things lively with motion and busy activity on the crowded pages; each scene is full of people interacting with each other and working hard toward a common goal. The backmatter includes a musical score for the song, tips to start a garden, a primer on the stages of plant growth, and a QR code to access tie-in media online. (This book was reviewed digitally.)With a neat musical twist, this picture book grows on you. (Picture book. 3-7)
"A community grows plants to the tune of an original song . . . The backmatter includes a musical score for the song, tips to start a garden, and a primer on the stages of plant growth. With a neat musical twist, this picture book grows on you" - Kirkus Reviews A group of city friends work diligently together to grow herbs and vegetables in a rooftop garden. Set to a foot-tappin' original tune, this rhythmic, rhyming story will have kids singing enthusiastically about the six stages of plant growth. The story concludes with a summer harvest and feast that celebrates the gardeners' commitment. Includes QR code access to audio singalong and video animation.