Review by Booklist Review
Gr. 5-8. Don't turn to this small, slim guide for a comprehensive introduction to gardening. A few introductory spreads do offer basic advice on handling young plants, learning the local gardening zone, and testing soil for dryness. The majority of the book, though, presents container gardening projects and related craft ideas, organized by season. Children will probably require adult assistance to puzzle through the instructions, assemble materials, and, in the case of a few projects, use power tools, and the resources section, which lists a few Web sites and suggests that kids contact their local extension service, is weak. But the gardening projects and the crafts--from a worm bin and a Venus flytrap terrarium to whimsical pot people figurines--have inherent kid appeal, and many are perfect for urban kids without outdoor green space of their own. Color photos show kids ranging from tots to teens potting and planting. A good source of inspiration for camp counselors, teachers, and parents seeking manageable projects for young green thumbs. A glossary is appended. --Gillian Engberg Copyright 2005 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-8-What plants need, how to handle them, and zoning and climate are all covered in this attractive book. Projects include seeding and starting greenhouses, garden bowls, a vegetable hanging basket, a Father's Day fountain, butterfly gardens, salad bowls, amaryllis pots, Halloween hats, succulent gardens, and more. Brief background information is provided for some projects, such as what specific plants attract butterflies, the color wheel, and annuals for planters. "Cool Facts," such as why marigolds are planted with basil and tomatoes and information on worms and the Venus flytrap, are included. Each project lists materials needed and gives step-by-step directions accompanied by a few photos. Adult help will be needed in some cases, and the use of safety gloves and goggles is mentioned where appropriate. Recommended supplies are easily obtainable from garden centers and through online purchasing. The author brings both enthusiasm and expertise to this book. The few typos found shouldn't cause too much confusion. There is no index. Color photos of child models, varied typeface, and creative kid-friendly pages all add up to a fine horticultural treat that will thrive in most collections.-Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
