Grow Your Own

By Esther Hall

Year: 2011

Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books, London

Age: 4 - 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture book

ISBN:  978 0 230 74794 4

This book about transition and its effect on the family is also a story of hope and optimism.

Sidney lives with his mum in the city. He eats food that comes out of boxes and his mum puts on grey clothes and works is a ‘big grey building.’

You, almost, know where this is heading...

Then, all the grays are banished by the vivid imagery of the countryside and the bright pop of home-grown vegetables and fruits. Thanks to Sidney’s grandmother whom he visits during his summer holidays. 

Sidney and his mum’s lives are turned around by this visit.

Excerpt

Sidney and his granny worked hard that summer, digging up vegetables and picking up fruit.

Every day Sidney tried something new to eat.

Four Friends in the Garden

By Sue Heap

Year: 2005

Publisher: Walker Books, London

Age: 4 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 84428 554 5

Four friends - Florentina the bear, Rachel the rabbit, Seymour the sheep and Mary Clare are in the garden. They are ecstatic when a butterfly joins them.

This picture book celebrates the simple joys of life and childhood innocence with its unique story on friendship and camaraderie.

Excerpt

“Ooof!” says Florentina. “I am hot.”

She kicks off her slippers. A butterfly lands on her foot.

Buzz Bumble to the Rescue

Text:  Lynn E. Hazen

Illustrations:  Jill Newton

Year: 2006

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing, London

Age: 4 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 30

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 0 74757 297 6

This story about bees is captured in outstanding illustrations that make each page a work of art.

Buzz Bumble is a star in his garden. All the bees admire him for his style, speed and agility. However, when sweet lil' Baby Bumble comes flying around, all the attention is turned to her.

Buzz Bumble feels miffed but he races to her rescue when she’s trapped in a Venus Flytrap.

He makes it to the cover of “The National Bee-Geographic Magazine.”

We loved this book for its message of self-acceptance and encouraging children to be comfortable with themselves. The sunny illustrations are cheery and adorable. 

Excerpt

“Look at Baby Bumble!” announced Humble.

“Our little fuzzy-buzzy is covered with pollen!”

“Adorable,” cooed Miss Bizzy.

“Where’s Ansel Antennae?” asked Senor Sting. “He must take a picture!”

Duck says Don’t!

Text: Alison Ritchie

Illustrations: Hannah George

Year:  2012

Publisher:  Little Tiger Press, London

Age: 3 – 7 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture book

ISBN:  978 1 84895 316 1

Here’s a gem from the Little Tiger Press.

Goose’s Pond is a haven of fun, frolicking and friendship. However, Goose has to go away on a holiday and leaves the duck in charge, who errrmm…takes his charge a bit too seriously.

Soon, the Pond is smothered by several “Don’t” signs put up by an overly-conscientious duck. He soon sees the error of his ways.

The illustrations are simply delightful and the story, hilarious. Though there is an important message hidden in there ... 

Excerpt

Duck was having a little nap when the frogs dived into the water, SPLASH!

“Frogs!”Duck yelled. “What do you think you’re doing? Diving is forbidden!”

“Forbidden?” said the frogs angrily. “Says who?”

The Garden that We Grew (Puffin Young Readers: Level-2)

Text: Joan Holub, Wikipedia

Illustrations: Hiroe Nakata

Year: 2001

Publisher: Puffin Young Readers, New York

Age: 3 – 5 years

No. of Pages:  32

Book Type: Picture book, educational

ISBN: 978 0 44846 129 8

There’s nothing like some hands-on gardening experience for little ones to engage their energies and help them appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world around them.

The text is set out in verse form with plenty of rhyming words to make reading fun for new readers.

Excerpt

These are the buds that peek from their beds.

These are the flowers that poke out their heads.

These are the pumpkins that grow on the vine.

These are the summer days filled with sunshine.