Children's Literature — 3-5

Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin - What a scream?! You learn a bit about worms and keeping a diary but you get plenty of laughs...for instance, one page reads “June 15 - My older sister thinks she's so pretty. I told her that no matter how much time she spends looking in the mirror, her face will always look just like her rear end." See?

How Groundhog's Garden Grew by Lynne Cherry (so you know it's good!) - I know what you're thinking...groundhogs usually eat the garden, not grow it! Includes detailed illustrations that give a lot of information all by themselves with a wonderfully written story to tie it all together.

This Year's Garden by Cynthia Rylant (anything by Rylant is wonderful, can't go wrong) - tells the year in the garden with typical Rylant-poetic lyricism; good for rereading at different times of the year.

Two Old Potatoes and Me by John Coy - a wonderful new book that tells the story of growing potatoes, with a recipe for mashed potatoes at the end. Also a subtle comment on divorce/separation to give comfort to children who might be experiencing that themselves.

The Gardener by Sarah Stewart - letter format, intriguing pics that need to be studied to get it, wonderful story.

The Scarecrow by Cynthia Rylant - beautiful illustrations, peaceful text, great for choral reading and writer's workshop. My favorite book.

A Harvest of Color - Growing A Vegetable Garden by Melanie Eclare - wonderful photographs coupled with growing tips from kids.

A is for Appalachia! - The Alphabet Book of Appalachian Heritage by Linda Pack - Appalachia, the people, the geographic region, the culture…especially great for 4th graders!

Pumpkin Circle - The Story of a Garden by George Levenson - a first rate intro to the growth cycle coupled with outstanding photos and rhythmic text that provide a wealth of information! Winner of numerous awards. Beware though, pumpkins can be challenging to grow…find a farmer to help you!

Jody’s Beans by Malachy Doyle – a sweet story that also teaches you to grow pole beans!

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