Quiet in the Garden ~ Picture Book & KID KANDY

Quiet in the Garden
Written and illustrated by Aliki
(Greenwillow Books, 2009)

Such is my love of gardens and green spaces that I have a special soft spot for books about gardens. I particularly enjoy picture books for boys and girls that encourage them to want to explore, plant, and embrace gardens as a wonderful feature of nature.

Quiet in the Garden is one such book.

A young boy goes out to the garden. He knows that if he is very still and very quiet, he will see and hear many wonderful things. He does such a fantastic job of both observing and listening that his imagination takes hold and he notices the meanderings of garden animals as they eat and visit with one another.

In the end, the boy harvests and shares produce with the animals at a picnic. There is plenty for all.

P.S. I love his fenced garden which comes complete with a pond, fruit trees, shade trees, and pathways between garden beds. I know you will, too.


KID KANDY:

Visit a Garden

~ Does your community have an arboretum or rose garden? Maybe a neighbor or grandparent has a nice garden. Ask to go on a visit.

~ Take only yourself, and maybe a little notepad and colored pencils (and a parent to drive you).

~ Sit very still and be extremely quiet.

~ What do you see? What can you hear? Who is in the garden? What busy insects are around you? Are there any other animals? What plants are growing? What do you smell?

~ Lie down on your tummy. Watch for awhile. Close your eyes. Did you notice new things that you missed when you were sitting up tall with your eyes open?

~ Move to a rock or bench. Sketch some of the things you see in your notepad.


Aren't gardens awesome?