In Our Garden

A girl discovers an abandoned lot in her neighborhood and envisions transforming it into a community garden. She shares her idea with her neighbors and works to gather support for the project. The story follows the community's efforts to clean up the space, prepare the soil, and plant their first crops together. Through seasons of tending the garden, neighbors from different backgrounds connect while growing vegetables and flowers. Miller's picture book captures how a child's small seed of an idea can grow into positive change for an entire neighborhood. The narrative speaks to themes of community building, environmental stewardship, and the power of working together toward a shared goal.

Readers call this picture book a heartwarming story about community building and gardening together. Many reviews highlight how it shows children working collaboratively across cultures and backgrounds. Readers appreciate: - The colorful, inclusive illustrations showing diverse characters - The message about coming together to create something beautiful - Simple, rhythmic text that works well for read-alouds - The focus on hands-on learning and nature connection Main criticisms: - Some find the story progression predictable - A few note it's similar to other gardening-themed picture books Ratings: Goodreads: 4.38/5 (290 ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (57 ratings) Reader quotes: "Perfect for teaching kids about community service and working toward shared goals." - Goodreads reviewer "The diverse characters and emphasis on cooperation make this an excellent classroom resource." - School librarian on Amazon "Shows how a simple idea can unite neighbors and create lasting change." - Barnes & Noble review

Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner This picture book follows a young gardener through the seasons while revealing the hidden ecosystem beneath the soil's surface.

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown A boy discovers a struggling garden on abandoned train tracks and transforms his city through the spreading of greenery.

And Then It's Spring by Julie Fogliano This story tracks the journey from planting seeds to witnessing the first signs of spring growth.

Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert The book follows the cycle of planting bulbs, seeds, and seedlings to create a rainbow of blooming flowers.

The Gardener by Sarah Stewart During the Great Depression, a girl brings hope to a city through her rooftop garden and flower shop creations.

🌱 Author Pat Zietlow Miller was inspired to write this book after seeing her local community come together to create their own shared garden. 🌿 Community gardens like the one featured in the book can produce up to $500 worth of fresh produce per plot annually. 🌸 The illustrator, Melissa Crowton, used vibrant colors and diverse character representations to reflect real community gardens across America. 🌺 The first modern community gardens in the United States were created during World War I, called "Victory Gardens," to help supplement food supplies. 🍅 Studies show that children who participate in community gardening are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables and develop better nutritional habits.