Companion Resources

From apple cores to zinnia heads, readers will discover the best ingredients for a successful compost pile. How do you start a compost pile? What's safe to include? This book provides the answers.

From strawberries in galoshes to herbs in recycled tin cans, this easy-to-follow gardening book contains fifteen simple (and delicious!) projects for budding young gardeners. Kids can learn all they need to know to grow their own fruit, herbs, and vegetables in whatever space they have at home, whether it be a windowsill or yard. Bright, engaging illustrations and clear instructions make this a great gift for any young child curious about where their food comes from and eager to grow some delectables themselves.

It's seed-planting time in Ms. Greene's classroom! One of the kids has big predictions for their mystery seed and does everything just to make sure it grows. But as all the other seeds start to sprout, theirs...doesn't. So they proclaim they'll never try to grow another seed again! But when they learn the leftover seeds will be thrown out, they start to think about second chances and enlist their classmates to help plant a beautiful garden for all to enjoy.

From creation of the "compost cake" to curing, and finally, using the compost, budding composters will discover what it takes to have a successful bin—as well as the plethora of benefits a compost bin can have to the surrounding environment. Master composter, Melody Sumaoang Plan, shows readers the physical, biological, and chemical processes involved and rich illustrations take them deep inside the murky bin.

Sunishine is for soaking up, and seeds are meant for sowing. Raindrops give small sprouts a drink, and gardens are for growing. In this tender poem, the love between a father and daughter blossoms alongside the seeds they plant together. As the garden grows, the daughter grows from a toddler to a teen and finally to a woman with a child of her own. Spring is meant for brand new starts, and hearts are meant for knowing. Homes are made to call you back where gardens are for growing.

With the help of Jolie's faithful rabbit, Munchy, and Margot's dog, Pip, plans are underway to bring the whole class together to convince the community to help them set up a hydroponics growing station in their classroom. Filled with engaging facts about blueberries, hydroponics, poetry, and a heartwarming theme of friendship, I Love Blueberries is not just a delightful read, but also a valuable educational resource.

Can one seed make a difference? Women in Botany introduces kids to the field of botany through the questions of a spunky girl whose inquiries guide an engaging, scientifically accurate conversation. Readers will experience the dazzling world of plants and learn about timeless women botanists who have used tiny seeds to do huge things, like create new medicines and feed their communities. The highlighted women hail from all over the world, span from the 16th Century to present day, and include Waheenee, Ynés Mexía, Dr. Janaki Ammal, Elizabeth Coleman White, Loredana Marcello, and Wangari Maathal.

With lyrical language and blooming illustrations, Mara Plants a Seed demonstrates the transformative power of simple actions. By cleaning up an empty lot and planting fifty sunflower seeds, Mara begins to create a flourishing, wild garden—but she doesn't do it alone. Little does Mara know, flying insects, digging worms, hungry birds, noisy neighbors, and other secret gardeners are working to help transform the lot into something even more beautiful than she imagined. Rain storms wash away seeds, but rabbits leave some behind. Some helpers nibble up weeds, and others fertilize the soil. Each time Mara visits the garden, she's expecting to see her sunflowers growing. But as the flowers blossom, she uncovers the exciting secrets waiting for her!

A child wonders where bread comes from and learns about the jobs of a wheat farmer, a miller, and a baker in a bread factory as they describe the steps in bread-making.

Meet worm. He might be little. He might have no hands. But worm would love to make a sandwich, just for you! To get started he'll need just one thing: garbage! Delicious, delectable garbage like apple cores and mushy grapes, broccoli bottoms and carrot tops, sad celery, and drippy cucumbers. Worm and his friends eat the garbage. And then they do what everyone does after they eat garbage. They poop! The poop goes in the compost and the compost goes in your garden, which is where the vegetables for your sandwich come from! Simple, right? Worm thought you'd agree. He might just need a bit of assistance along the way... This hilarious, engaging picture book is the perfect introduction to the process of composting from start to finish, told from the perspective of one little worm who is very eager to help.

With vibrant illustrations and simple explanations, Our Food Grows shows how fruits, vegetables, and grains make their way from the farm to our plates. Perfect for curious kids and budding gardeners, this engaging introduction to where our food comes from reveals the magic of growing your own garden. An Educator's Guide for preK-1st grade is available.

On a farm, each season arrives with new jobs to do—crops to plant, animals to tend to, and fields to harvest. Readers get an insider's look at what spring, summer, fall, and winter look like on a family farm, from adorable baby animals to rumbling tractors and pumpkins to pies. This sweet, rhyming story is perfect for young readers, whether their home is on a farm or not!