VEGETABLE DREAMS/HUERTO SOÑADO

After Erin tells her parents of her dream of having a beautiful vegetable garden, they disappoint her by telling her that she’s too young to take on such responsibility. But her retired neighbor, Mr. Martinez, agrees to let Erin have her own section of his garden, as long as she will learn and work. As the plants grow over the summer, so does the intergenerational friendship, and everyone, including Erin's parents, is pleased with the fresh food added to the diet. Schneider's warm pastels are rich and the results pleasing, except for facial features that are not really suited to the blunt edges of pastels. Both English and Spanish texts are smooth and competent, printed on the left-hand pages facing the full-page illustrations. An additional title, this is most suited for large collections or those in which gardening or bilingual titles are especially needed. (Picture book. 5-8)