Me, Toma, and the Concrete Garden by Andrew Larsen - ADVISABLE

Me, Toma and the Concrete Garden by Andrew Larsen, illustrated by Anne Villeneuve.  PICTURE BOOK.  Kids Can Press, 2019.  $17. 9781771389174

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

While his mom recovers from an operation, Tomo is staying with his Aunt Mimi on the city.  The city is petty bleak and gray, but Tomo does make a friend to while away the days.  They entertain themselves for a while throwing the odd dirt balls that someone had gifted to Mimi into the empty lot next door and then promptly forget about them.  As the summer winds on, those dirt balls provide a sweet surprise that brings the neighborhood together.  Tomo can’t wait to come back next year.

Anyone who wants to start a community garden or a school garden will appreciate this little story. A great inspiration as spring arrives in the world.  

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS