OUR GENEROUS GARDEN

An inspirational children’s book that chronicles the growth of an elementary school’s garden from seed to harvest.

Nagro’s loving tribute to an elementary school’s agricultural adventure cheerily promotes the garden programs that have become an educational phenomenon in recent years. The book is written from the perspective of a child giving a tour of the school’s precious garden, its pages minimally formatted with photographs of children enthusiastically attending to their crops. Along the way, an illustrated ladybug appears in the borders of most pages and provides informative caption. There is slight detail on the specifics of a garden’s flora and fauna, but the book’s narrative is designed more for inspiration than rote gardening instruction. The photographs are colorful and charming, but are unimpressively rendered to look like illustrations, lessening the book’s appeal for readers outside the classroom and buyers looking for a more polished product. However, this does not detract from the message of respect, both ecological and social, that is gently encouraged and will please those who want their garden to provide lessons beyond the merely botanical. The book is most relevant for primary educators beginning a gardening project and seeking a teaching framework that will excite and interest younger children. Also included are a recipe list and instructions for sketching a “garden plot” on graph paper that will encourage students to create their own imaginary landscapes. Nagro provides a website for additional information, activities and online discussions, which posits the book as only one prong in the author’s multimedia pitchfork approach to promoting school gardens. The message is genuine and will inspire children to enjoy the fruits and vegetables of their labor.

A terrific resource for elementary-level educators wanting a classroom full of raised hands and green thumbs.