Today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday pick is Anywhere Farm. It’s spring! And we know what that brings. Time to plant. Do you know what food you’ll grow?
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Written by: Phyllis Root
Illustrated by: G. Brian Karas
Publisher: oooCandlewick (March 2017)
Suitable for ages: 2– 5 [spacer height=”10px”]
Themes/Topics: community supported agriculture, urban environments, cooperation, farmer’s market
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Brief Synopsis: This book introduces young children to the idea of community supported agricultural more than farming and shows how urban areas are used to grow food. [spacer height=”10px”]
Opening pages: “For an anywhere farm, here’s all you need:
soil
and sunshine,
some water,
a seed.”
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Why I like this book: We joined a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), last year. The produce we get is abundant and so tasty. Anywhere Farm is an informational book. Kids learn it’s not hard to grow food, you need soil, sun, water, and a seed. An empty lot surrounded by buildings is transformed into a community garden. Food can be grown anywhere and in anything. Kale in pail. Corn in a horn.
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Children and adults work together. They re-purpose items found in the garbage to use as pots. Children also learn about insects and animals found in an urban garden. And when there’s plenty of food, the neighbors start a farmer’s market to sell to other neighbors.
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The rhythm and rhyme is playful and the illustrations inclusive. A delightful book for young children to learn about growing food in an urban environment through a community effort.
Today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday pick isTHE RING BEARER. It’s normal for the bride and groom to be nervous on their big day, but imagine a young child who is part of a wedding party feeling nervous. Now imagine it’s his mother’s wedding! [spacer height=”10px”]
Written/Illustrated by: Floyd Cooper
Publisher: Philomel Books (April 2017)
Suitable for ages: 3– 7
Themes/Topics: overcoming fear, anxiety, dealing with change, love, weddings, blended family [spacer height=”10px”]
Brief Synopsis: Jackson’s mother is getting married. And he is an important part of the ceremony. Jackson is the ring bearer! But he’s worried. What if something goes wrong? He could trip. He could drop the rings. Sophie, his younger new stepsister is part of the ceremony too. She’s the flower girl. But Sophie isn’t worried at all. In fact, she’s having fun. [spacer height=”10px”]
Opening pages: “Mama is having a wedding, and Jackson is worried. What will it be like to call Bill “Dad”? And share stuff with Sophie, his new little sister? Things won’t be the same around here anymore.” [spacer height=”10px”]
Why I like this book: This story made my heart smile. I adore the cover with a cautious Jackson and playful Sophie. Through text and illustrations, Floyd Cooper created an endearing story about the power of family. Readers will love his inter-generational characters and blended family because they express their love of one another throughout the story.
With the support of his family, old and new, Jackson is able to overcome his fear. And because of the wonderful examples in his life, Jackson even saves the day! [spacer height=”10px”]
Resources:
Find answers to your burning questions about having children in a wedding party here.
Find the article from the site, Today’s Parent, Kids at weddings: Essential do’s and don’ts here. [spacer height=”10px”]
Find an article, Children’s feelings about blended families, here. [spacer height=”10px”]
Read more of today’s reviews at author Susanna Hill’s blog. [spacer height=”10px”]
