MOUSE AND MOLE AND THE YEAR-ROUND GARDEN

by Doug Cushman ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1994

The Scientific American imprimatur on this Children's BOMC selection is misleading: the two animal friends' gardening between one spring and the next -- planting vegetables, watching them grow, putting things by, enjoying the beach or making a snow mouse as they await the next garden task -- makes an effective overview of seasonal activities, but it's marred by inattention to detail. E.g., Mole shows Mouse ""how to plant pea seeds,"" but no specifics are offered; four corn seedlings (in a single row under an apple tree) simply don't resemble corn in the cartoon-style illustrations; and while a substantial number of related facts are offered in boxes at page bottoms (e.g., ""under the garden"" are worms, ants, grubs, and aphids) they tend to be superficial (what is the significance of these underground creatures?). A book that promises more than it delivers; still, the sprightly tone and cheery illustrations may arouse interest, and a knowledgeable adult could build on what's outlined here.

Pub Date: March 1, 1994

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Freeman

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 1994

Categories: CHILDREN'S