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MORTIMER’S FIRST GARDEN by Karma Wilson

MORTIMER’S FIRST GARDEN

by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Dan Andreasen

Pub Date: Feb. 24th, 2008
ISBN: 978-1-4169-4203-0
Publisher: McElderry

Mortimer the mouse is just about to chomp down on his sunflower seed when he hears “the big people” who share his house talking about gardening. While he laughs at the notion of “throw[ing] perfectly good food in the dirt,” he’s intrigued at the notion of a “miracle” that will yield many, many more seeds, so he gives it a try. By day three, he’s getting impatient, but “a gentle, quiet voice” tells him to “Wait.” Recognizing the voice as God—with a theological certainty that comes like a narrative bolt out of the blue—Mortimer waits and reaps predictable dividends. Andreasen provides certifiably cute visual accompaniment to the tale, including the dubious implication that a friendly (vegetarian?) spider will help Mortimer eat his newfound seed wealth. Demands too many leaps of faith. (Picture book. 4-8)