In the Garden

Starting with the end of winter and ending with its return, Giuliani's engaging oversize introduction to gardening functions like a season of BBC's Gardeners' World--one perfectly suited to young readers. Eight colorful graphic spreads follow two siblings in black silhouette gardening through each season's arrival ("the Beginning of Summer") and continuation ("High Summer"). In appealingly plainspoken prose, the pages convey seasonal characteristics ("A cold wind blows") and offer gardening tips ("In the winter, cover the soil with mulch"). Using a multitude of flaps that promote interactivity and lend an intimate sense of discovery to the text, Giuliani offers facts about flora and fauna phrased in accessible and scientific terms: in "Spring," a magenta bean's "seed coat or integument" folds back to reveal a "plumule or bud," while an adjacent flap discusses dormancy and germination. One by one, other flaps (shaped like a winter squash, a ground cherry) reveal the kind of glad surprises that a garden can provide; together, the contemplative text offers a growing season's worth of activities and cares. All that's missing is Monty Don. Ages 8-12. (Apr.)

Gr 2-5--Giuliani showcases the life cycle of a garden from season to season in this interactive and informative book. Plum and her brother Robin (depicted as silhouettes) work in their garden from winter to the return of winter, providing insight about the plants, processes, and animals that make up their day-to-day work with the earth. The narrative unfolds in large full-page spreads with flaps to reveal details about particular aspects of garden upkeep and how the change in seasons creates life. Readers will learn about everything from how the water cycle impacts the garden to what certain seeds and bulbs become. Simple illustrations with sharp colors pair nicely to highlight the intricate workings of the siblings' garden. From the flap that reveals what tools Plum and Robin keep in their shed to what the inside of winter squash looks like, each provides tactile fun. The format allows readers to see the garden's evolution and get a holistic view of how backyard life grows and thrives. VERDICT An excellent purchase for public and elementary school nonfiction collections.--Molly Dettmann, Norman North High School, OK