The plant rescuer

In this sunny problem-solving tale, Manny and his landscaper father "come from a long line of gardeners." Though the Latinx-cued family's apartment has no garden, "Dad has a gift for growing jungles in the smallest spaces," and lush, collage-like spreads by Rivera show the home overflowing with growth. Inspired, Manny asks for a plant of his own, and his father is quick to oblige. When the plant begins to lose leaves, the story follows Manny as he tries to revive it. The plant's rebirth champions independence ("I promised I would take care of my amigo by myself"), patience, and finding answers at Manny's "old friend, the library," while the child's success, and his father's affirmation, result in a generous impulse: "Mijo, let's share your gift and take cuttings of your amigo to our neighbors." Ages 4--8. (May)

A gardener's son discovers that having a plant of his own is a big responsibility. Little Manny delights in following his father from yard to yard as he tends to flower gardens. Dad "has a gift for growing jungles in the smallest spaces"--even the apartment they share with Nana. Visiting a garden center one day, Manny asks for a plant of his own and comes home with one bigger than he is--one that wilts and shows signs of distress no matter how much he fusses over it. Time for a trip to the public library, where he reads up on finding the best spot for his plant indoors and proper ways to water and fertilize it. Soon his room is filled with luxuriant foliage. "Mijo," exclaims his father, "let's share your gift and take cuttings of your amigo to our neighbors." The size difference between the brown-skinned, bright-eyed child and his leafy amigo in Rivera's lush, sunny scenes will amuse young readers, and his success may tempt some to see just how green their thumbs might be. The joy Manny, "the youngest gardener in a long line of gardeners," feels caring for his plant is infectious, especially once he shares his gift with the racially diverse residents of his Nana's suddenly lush apartment complex. Manny and his family are cued Latine. Celebrates family roots as well as the pleasure of cultivating, and sharing, new skills. (Picture book. 5-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.