Gardening

Onions in My Boots

Basic Gardening for Young Sprouts
Author(s): 
Nancy Nicholson
Number of pages: 
94 pages
Copyright: 
2008
Publisher: 
Catholic Heritage Curricula
Binding: 
Softcover
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
I was very pleased to see Catholic Heritage Curricula offer a new gardening guide, Onions in my Boots by Nancy Nicholson. Onions in My Boots offers basic instructions for gardening at home. It is an easy read and is printed in child friendly font and format, making it well suited for children or their parents. It features sections on preparation and tools, flowers and houseplants, herbs and vegetables. Nicholson emphasizes adaptability, to both location and budget, and in this way makes gardening very accessible. The methods described are simple and practical. Children and novice gardeners are encouraged to think beyond terra cotta pots and approach container gardening with a sense of playfulness. Nicholson provides instructions for growing many common flowers and vegetables. This is thoughtfully done, focusing on plants that will thrive in most climates and yield a respectable harvest while under the care of young hands. Early success in planting seeds and watching them transform into cool, crisp cucumbers can spark a lifelong love of gardening. While waiting for their first harvest, children will also be cultivating the virtues of patience and responsibility. As an enthusiastic gardener myself, I am always looking for new ways to involve my children in this wholesome and rewarding activity. Gardening connects children to wonder of God’s creation in a very tactile and active manner. Onions in My Boots is unique in offering a Christ-centered gardening guide that is suited for the whole family.
Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
5-29-2009

The Victory Garden Alphabet Book

Author(s): 
Jerry Pallotta
Bob Thomson
Illustrator(s): 
Edgar Stewart
Number of pages: 
32 pages
Copyright: 
1992
ISBN: 
9780881064681
Publisher: 
Charlesbridge Pub.
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Resource Type: 
Review: 

I found this in our library's seasonal display... copyright 1992, certainly not a new title, but my love for alphabet books and vegetables together made me decide to take a look.

Product description: Bestselling author Jerry Pallotta teams up with former Victory Garden host Bob Thomson to present 26 common and not-so-common vegetables. Learn about fiddleheads, munchkin pumpkins, sweet peas, walla wallas, and more. This informative book also includes a brief introduction to soil preparation and seed planting. 30 color illustrations.

These times of economic slump and contaminated foods from doubtful origins is seeing a huge growth in home gardening. I have seen this new trend being referred to as "Victory Gardens" all over again. This is a nice and informative book for children, most especially children whose parents want to encourage to get out there and help! The illustrations are very realistic and seem to be based on photos.

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
April 16, 2009