Growing Food in the Garden

by Catherine Stier, Francesca Rosa (Illustrator)

Overview

A trip to the farmers market turns into a lesson on growing plants.

On a trip to the farmers market, Daniel discovers that there's a lot he doesn’t know about plants. He sets off to learn everything he can, from how photosynthesis works to what role bees play in helping plants grow. Armed with this new knowledge, he decides to join in the fun and put his plant-growing skills to the test at a local community garden.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780807572719
Publisher:	Whitman, Albert & Company
Publication date:	09/22/2022
Series:	Science Makes It Work
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)
Lexile:	AD670L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Catherine Stier is the author of more than 20 children's books including the Science Makes it Work picture book series and the Kirkus star-reviewed A Dog's Day chapter book series. She holds a master’s degree in reading and literacy and has served as a magazine writer, newspaper columnist, and writing instructor. Stier resides in San Antonio, Texas.

Francesca Rosa was born in Italy and is a graduate of the School of Comics in Milan. She spent two years working as a fashion graphic designer before becoming a full-time illustrator. Now she works in her studio in Milan with her husband Lorenzo.

Editorial Reviews

2022-06-22
Inspired by eating fresh produce from the farmers market, a young boy learns about a few of the scientific concepts behind gardening.

Daniel visits the farmers market with his mom and learns about the importance of pollinators. On the way home, Daniel notices that a new community garden has opened. He convinces his brother, Cory, that growing their own food would be delicious and fun. At school, Daniel learns about photosynthesis and transpiration. At home, he and Cory try a few simple experiments suggested by Daniel’s teacher. Finally, the boys and their mom begin volunteering at the community garden. Their hard work culminates in a produce-fueled fall potluck for the community—including some pollinators. The third title in the Science Makes It Work series leaves much to be desired as a classroom introduction to plants and gardening. Exploration of scientific terms is shallow, and brightly colored but static illustrations do little to provide visual context. The serviceable narrative fails to inspire curiosity. Though the featured science experiments demonstrate the scientific concepts, readers must look elsewhere to find step-by-step instructions. Daniel and his family are depicted with light skin and straight dark brown hair. Background characters are racially diverse; one character uses a wheelchair.(This book was reviewed digitally.)

Scientific engagement fails to bloom in this garden-variety classroom title. (Informational picture book. 6-9)

Kirkus Reviews