Springtime in Minnesota can appear almost overnight. One day, snow still coats the ground. The next, crocus and squill pop up through earthy brown. Likewise, we can go months without fully seeing neighbors, due to the frigid temperatures, and bundled bodies. But then, one warm day, it’s like a neighborhood reunion. We can physically see and talk to each other again. It’s easier to greet and welcome newcomers. We can appreciate our shared spaces. We can create new ones.
To encourage planting seeds to save the environment, to brighten spirits, and to instill a sense of connection and possibility, I like to read the following books that focus on gardening and community. Read and grow!
Anywhere Farm
written by Phyllis Root
illustrated by G. Brian Karas
Candlewick Press, 2017
Jaunty, rhyming text and understated yet joyful illustrations showcase a wide range of children and neighbors building a community garden. A very appealing read-aloud to introduce the idea of growing where you can.
Behold Our Magical Garden:
Poems Fresh from a School Garden
written by Allan Wolf
illustrated by Daniel Duncan
Candlewick Press, 2022
In this beautifully illustrated collection of poems, young readers experience a season in a school garden through a range of perspectives: from children, insects, seeds, and carrots.
Errol’s Garden
written and illustrated by Gillian Hibbs
Child’s Play, 2018
Errol loves to garden, but runs out of room in his apartment. Then he realizes that there’s more room, UP! With the help of neighbors, Errol plans something amazing.
Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table
written by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
illustrated by Eric-Shabazz Larkin
Readers to Eaters, 2013
This lively picture book biography introduces young readers to Milwaukee’s famous urban farmer, Will Allen. A former professional basketball player, his work is highlighted in this colorful book, inspiring young readers to think about where their food comes from.
Green Green: A Community Gardening Story
written by Marie Lamba and Baldev Lamba
illustrated by Sonia Sanchez
Square Fish, 2017
Through simple, poetic text, and emotionally resonant illustrations, a small group of children experience the joys of green and brown as their city changes. With buildings encroaching, they encourage new green growth by digging and planting, working together.
Harlem Grown: How One Big Idea
Transformed a Neighborhood
written by Tony Hillery
illustrated by Jessie Hartland
Simon & Schuster, 2020
Nevaeh and her friends help Mr. Tony transform a ‘haunted’ garden into a thriving urban farm in this whimsically-illustrated celebration of growing.
In Our Garden
written by Pat Zietlow Miller
illustrated by Melissa Crowton
G.P. Putnam, 2022
Through the eyes of a newcomer from overseas, classmates and teachers begin to see the possibilities of what could be, instead of just what is. Full of school and garden details, young readers see a school rooftop transformed through imagination, organizing, hard work, and time.
Jayden’s Secret Ingredient
written by Mélina Mangal
illustrated by Ken Daley
Free Spirit, 2023
Jayden loves the outdoors and the garden he created with his friend Mr. Curtis. But he’s not so sure about sampling some of the garden’s produce. When Mr. Curtis invites neighbors to share the harvest of scarlet runner beans, Jayden faces a dilemma. Will he find the courage to try something new?
Miguel’s Community Garden
written by JaNay Brown-Wood
illustrated by Samara Hardy
Peachtree, 2022
Miguel and his dads search through the community garden for sunflowers for his garden party. But he finds so much more before that! Young readers will enjoy the hunt for the flowers while learning about a wide range of other plants in the garden.
Thank You, Garden
written by Liz Garton Scanlon
illustrated by Simone Shin
Beach Lane Books, 2020
With vintage-like illustrations by Caldecott-Honor Award illustrator Simone Shin, this picture book celebrates the growth of flowers, vegetables, and friendships between community members in this city garden.
Uncle John’s City Garden
written by Bernette G. Ford
illustrated by Frank Morrison
Holiday House, 2022
With guidance from her Uncle John, Li’l Sissy proves she can work just as hard as her siblings to create an amazing garden in the middle of the city. Beautifully emotive illustrations bring the joy and warmth of family and community together along with the love of fresh-grown produce.
What a great crop of books!