WONDER IN THE GARDEN

An abundant family garden proves a joyful playground for a child in this bighearted picture book.

Donning a wide yellow hat and matching boots, little Nina goes outside—“¡Hola, jardín!”—accompanied by Nube the dog. The whole familia pitches in to tend the garden. Grandpa picks apples, Grandma gathers blueberries, and even Nina fills a basket with vegetables and fruit for dinner. Nina and Nube also manage to fit in some playtime. While Nube hides near the tall yellow corn stalks and the carrots peeking out from underground, Nina ducks behind the collard greens and takes a break from running to admire the tomates deliciosos. At last it’s time for dinner, and everyone gathers at the table—outside, naturally. The day ends with this loving Latine family laughing and eating together. Aikens-Nuñez peppers Spanish words and phrases throughout her energetic, succinct text, cued by a brief glossary that preps readers before the fun even begins. She repeatedly pairs specific phrases with their Spanish counterparts in an effective learning rhythm. “Enjoy. Buen provecho. Thank you, garden! ¡Gracias, jardín!” Freitas’ effervescent artwork depicts an Edenic paradise, with plentiful curved line work accentuating Nina and Nube’s exuberant playtime. Nina is brown-skinned, while the other family members vary in complexion.

A lovely reminder that the whole world can be a garden.