Zinnia plants her own flower garden in this straightforward account. She clears the soil, makes rows, plants seeds, waters, and watches for sprouts. Photos of actual seeds, plants, and flowers are incorporated into the bright and busy art documenting the garden's evolution. Margins incorporate labeled flower parts and diagrams of the butterfly life cycle and growing seedlings.

<p>A girl and her garden are the subject of this engaging outing. Wellington chronicles each step in the planting process, from tilling the soil and sowing seeds to harvesting those seeds at the end of the season. Her signature illustrationsa"bright, bold, and crispa"are accented with lively and informative detail, which ups the science factor. Color-copied photographs of seeds, buds, and flowers frame the text; a series of drawings spotlights the flowers' roots and shoots and a scientific drawing labels its parts. Also in the frame, the little girl's journal tracks the progress with simple entries and the date of news: "July 7. My sunflowers are so tall. I hate weeds." All of these factors create a successful germination of science and storytelling, growing a terrific introduction to the life cycle of plants and a good choice for young gardeners everywhere. (Picture book. 3-8)</p>

K-Gr 2-Wellington's familiar gouache cartoons skillfully meld with photographs of flowers for a merry trek through every season of gardening. Red-haired Zinnia, with the help of her cat and dog pals, demonstrates the skills that bring forth a brilliant wealth of blossoms. The author augments the discussion of the process with instructive border illustrations. Each spread also features tidbits of information such as the types of clouds, the life cycle of a butterfly, parts of a flower, or money math (atop the page of her lemonade and flower stand). Wellington wraps up the tale with a page of tips for growing one's own bouquets. A title that is rich in application and enjoyment.-Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.