Tuesday, June 21, 2022

The Garden We Share by Zoë Tucker and Julianna Swaney - ADVISABLE

The Garden We Share by Zoë Tucker, illustrated by Julianna Swaney
. PICTURE BOOK. NorthSouth Books, Inc., 2022. $19. 9780735844841

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

This is a sweet story of gardening, community and friendship that also includes themes of nature, sharing, loss and healing. The story focuses primarily on a young child and an elderly woman, and although the nature of their relationship isn’t clearly defined (are they neighbors? relatives?) their relationship is inspiring as they work, learn and serve their community together. The story spans several seasons allowing the reader to view the gardening process from planting to harvest, and back to planting again.

The central intergenerational friendship is absolutely lovely and tugs at your heartstrings. The illustrations are colorful and warm and give clues that help move the story along as well as hint at the deeper themes in the story, including loss and healing. Younger readers will enjoy the pictures and the relatively simple text, while older students will understand the subtle, deeper elements of the story.

Reviewer: Angie Campbell, EL Librarian 

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