Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner -ADVISABLE

Messner, Kate Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt Chronicle Books, 2015. $16.99 PICTURE BOOK

A large picture book, this features the story of a garden throughout the growing season, from Spring through the end of Fall and the child and Nana who help to take care of it. The people aren’t the only garden helpers, as the book switches between up in the garden and under the dirt, we learn about many types of helpers that all contribute to helping create a successful garden: birds, skunks, praying mantis, snakes, worms, and more.
This is a lovely books with tons of information. The illustrations are beautiful and varied enough to hold attention for a read-a-loud. Lots of things to discover in each illustration as well. The switching between whats happening above ground and whats happening under ground really helps to remind the reader that so much goes on to help a garden grow. Includes a detailed list of creatures and their contributions in the back of the book. Great for a unit on gardens, spring, and soil/plant ecosystems.
EL(K-3) –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.