In the Garden
In this gently rhyming board book, a young boy creates a garden, one small action at a time. First he digs in the dirt and plants seeds, then he adds soil, water, and some patience. With time, the seeds grow and the boy excitedly discovers what he has helped to make. Along the way, readers learn the words for simple objects related to the garden and nature.
Elizabeth Spurr and Manelle Oliphant together create a perfect sit-in-your-lap reading experience for toddlers.
Author & Illustrator
“Delicately illustrated...Oliphant's illustrations express the passage of time through changes in light...while Spurr's careful descriptions capture the slow but gratifying process of planting and harvesting.” ―Publishers Weekly
“...Subtle, understated spreads complement the powerfully quiet text. The soft lines move just enough to create gentle energy within each frame...With a little water and tender loving care, it's a pleasure to watch this garden grow.” ―Kirkus
“...With many close-ups and a realistic feel, this has potential to both introduce an understanding of how things grow and be a useful easy reader.” ―Booklist
“...Delightful...Hats off to Elizabeth Spurr for the words and to Manelle Oliphant for the charming illustrations.” ―Spirituality and Practice blog
“...Parents who are nature-conscious will love this title, as will budding scientist families. I'd place it in the basket of any of my STEM teacher colleagues...” ―Practically Paradise blog (School Library Journal online)
“...Coupled with the visual aspects of the growing plants, In the Garden earns my recommended rating for the toddler lap reader...” ―Boys to Books blog
“...Perfect for preschoolers and toddlers, this appealing story shows a boy going through the steps of planting a garden and watching it grow. Using spare, simple language and a gentle sparse verse story, the beautiful process of making and tending a garden is explored...” ―Midwest Book Review
“As a teacher, I appreciate how the pictures are clear and helpful for emergent readers to feel successful when they are reading.” ―YA Books Central blog
“...The author providing poetic words and the illustrator in painting a picture come together to create this darling book about a child and his garden growing and becoming fruitful...” ―It's About Time MaMaw blog
“This gardening introduction board book demonstrates the fruitful rewards of caring for a garden using simple rhyme to delight the earliest readers. Fine-spun textural patterns enrich the earth tone illustrations.” ―Picture Book Reviews blog
“...Vivid, lifelike illustrations with simple one- and two-word phrases tell a complete and satisfying story.” ―Wichita Eagle
“...The simplicity and size make this the perfect book for budding gardeners.” ―Reading Today online