A Patch from Scratch

by Megan Forward

Jesse and Lewis want to grow their own fruit and vegies, just like people do on a farm. They're going to dig and build, plant and grow, and when they're finished they're going to have a feast!

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 28, 2016

Reviews

[Rania T · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazingly detailed picture book that does a wonderful job of exposing school aged children to the joys of growing their own food in their own backyard. It also explains why bees and other insects are important in nature. The book also includes a list of additional resources and recipes, so it makes a wonderful addition to the classroom as well.

[Nella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful introduction to the joys of growing and eating your own food.

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

#PYP #STP #ecosystem #gardening

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great detailed description of how to start a garden for those beginning a garden journey with little kids. Book to read before you begin that will be fantastic for kids to grasp the process.

[Tempest Reign · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story about a family embarking on turning their backyard into a graden. We loved the pictures, funny moments, and how the garden brought them joy.

[Dimity Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

It takes considerable time to create a food haven from scratch as it does to read this considerable picture book by debut author illustrator, Megan Forward. But it's worth the work (on both counts). Forward's illustrations are pulsing with all the warmth and heart of the backyard garden she is depicting as a forward thinking family slowly transform their suburban quarter acre into an urban paradise. Full of beautiful revelations and facts about nature, A Patch from Scratch serves to enlighten and educate young city kids in the ways of growing things and sustainable living. Especially handy for all those who still think eggs grow in cartons..

[Megan Forward]

http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/b...

[Munchy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as part of the Around the Year in 52 books challenge. Week 40: A book you stumbled upon

[Educateempower]

This book reminds me of my own little family and I am sure many other families who live in the suburbs of large cities! We have had lots of fun (and still do) in our backyard thinking of ways that we can make our yard a mini farm. We have chickens, compost bin, worm farm and a veggie patch and although it is a bit of work to maintain it is a great reward to have our own eggs and vegetables right in our own backyard.

A patch from scratch is written from the perspective of a young child, which I think really empowers young readers to think – how can I do this in my own backyard? The illustrations show how the family make the different items needed for their own backyard farm and offer some simple tips throughout.

This is a cleverly written book, giving readers insight into how they can create their own veggie patches, chicken coops and compost bins. It shows that growing your own food can be fun and rewarding without being too much hard work.

But what about those who live in apartments? Children who live in these places may feel like they cannot connect to this book – but they can! Many suburbs now have community gardens so search your area for one. Your child’s school or daycare may also have a small patch that they can be a part of.

There are many mini compost bins you can buy that can sit on balconies and mini herb patches where you can grow your own herbs. Be creative, getting in touch with dirt and plant growth is vital so that young people understand where food comes from – not just a supermarket!

This is a great book, and one that we have enjoyed reading over. We have spent time looking at the illustrations as we have read the words and noticed the fun the family in the story are having. A great read that can be enjoyed by the whole family!