More books for gardening kids
Last summer, I posted about some of my family’s favorite children’s books about gardens and gardening. But there are so many good ones out there, and I recently discovered the “Growing Good Kids Excellence in Children’s Literature" Book Awards Program, sponsored by the American Horticultural Society’s Junior Master Gardeners, which recognizes the best children’s books each year that offer a look at gardens and growing things.
This year’s awards will be given later this summer, but the awards website includes a list of classics that every gardening kid should have a chance to read. Here are some of my favorites from the classics list. See the entire list of classics here.
Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney (ages 4-8)
As a child, Great-Aunt Alice Rumphius resolved that when she grew up she would go to faraway places, live by the sea in her old age, and do something to make the world more beautiful—and she does all of those things, the last being the most difficult of all.
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss and Theodor Seuss Geisel (ages 4-8)
In this classic Seuss tale published in 1971, the Once-Ler describes the results of the local pollution problem. The ecological lessons he has learned still ring true today.
Oliver’s Vegetables by Vivian French (ages 4-8)
While visiting his grandparents, who have a wonderful garden, Oliver, a french fry fan, makes a deal with his grandfather—to eat whatever he finds in the garden. In his search to find the potatoes, he learns to eat other vegetables along the way.
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein (ages 4-8)
A young boy grows to manhood and old age experiencing the love and generosity of a tree which gives to him without thought of return.
The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle (ages 4-8)
We love almost every book by Eric Carle, and this particular one is a great story for younger children, which describes a flowering plant’s life cycle through the seasons.
What are your favorite children’s books about gardening and the outdoors?
What a great post! I love all your inspiring ideas for gardening books for children. A couple more of my favorites are Lois Ehlert’s “Planting a Rainbow” and Ruth Heller’s “The Reason for a Flower.” Both are brightly illustrated and very simply show nature’s variety and the way each aspect of the ecosystem helps one another.
I wrote about other nature-inspired books for children here:
http://bit.ly/aaECTt
Thanks again for the wonderful inspiration and new ideas!
We’re brand new to gardening and have yet to make the connection with books. But my oldest LOVES to read, so I’m going to put this list to work. Thanks for the great suggestions!
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Rachel, thanks so much for stopping by! Glad to hear we have some things in common (besides being crazy enough to commit to blogging 31 days in a row!). Looking forward to visiting your blog too. Thanks!
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Nancy,
I have to say I love your blog! I’m making my way through the list of bloggers from the blogathon, and can’t wait to tune in and read more. I have three children and also have a small garden that I adore growing things in. My children unfortunately, do not share this passion! They love to eat from it though-and I’m looking forward to getting out in the garden tomorrow to transplant my starters. Can’t wait to read more about your gardening adventures! Keep up the good work with the blogathon!
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