We Are the Gardeners

In this children's book, the Gaines family chronicles their journey of starting and maintaining a family garden. The story is narrated from the perspective of the children as they learn about plants, soil, and the natural world. The family faces setbacks and challenges in their gardening endeavors, from failed plants to garden pests. Each obstacle becomes an opportunity for the children to problem-solve and try new approaches. The book combines elements of memoir and instructional storytelling to explore themes of persistence, family collaboration, and respect for nature. Through their gardening experiences, the children discover that failure can lead to growth and that patience yields rewards.

Readers appreciate the book's messages about perseverance, family teamwork, and learning from failure in gardening. Parents note it teaches children practical lessons about plant care while maintaining their interest through relatable storytelling. Liked: - Illustrations by Julianna Swaney receive frequent mention for their detail and whimsical style - Teaches gardening vocabulary and plant science at a child's level - Shows real-world examples of trial and error Disliked: - Some found the $20 price high for the length - Text density challenging for younger readers under 6 - Several mention it works better as a read-aloud than independent reading Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (3,900+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.8/5 (175+ ratings) "The perfect mix of education and entertainment," notes one Amazon reviewer. Another parent writes, "My 4-year-old asks for this book every night but struggles to follow all the text."

Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner A young girl and her grandmother explore the visible and hidden worlds of their garden throughout the changing seasons.

And Then It's Spring by Julie Fogliano A child plants seeds and waits through brown days until green shoots emerge from the earth.

Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney A woman fulfills her grandfather's request to make the world more beautiful by planting lupine flowers across her coastal town.

The Gardener by Sarah Stewart During the Depression era, a girl transforms a dreary city rooftop into a garden while staying with her uncle.

Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert A mother and child plant bulbs, seeds, and seedlings to create a garden filled with colors.

🌱 Joanna Gaines wrote this book with her children as co-authors, making it a true family collaboration that shares their personal gardening journey. 🌿 The book was inspired by a small fern plant that Chip and Joanna kept on their kitchen counter—their first plant together as a couple, which unfortunately didn't survive. 🌺 Illustrator Julianna Swaney created the book's whimsical watercolor artwork using natural pigments derived from plants and minerals. 🌸 The story teaches young readers about resilience through gardening mishaps, including an incident where the family's goats ate their entire garden. 🌼 The book incorporates actual gardening wisdom and tips, such as companion planting and the importance of beneficial insects, while telling an engaging story.