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The Little Gardener: Helping Children Connect with the Natural World
The Little Gardener is an engaging illustrated guide for parents, grandparents, caregivers, and educators who want to help children explore the natural world through gardening. Part how–to, part teaching tool, and part inspiration, The Little Gardener is a thoughtful combination of detailed instructions, tips, anecdotes, and seasonal activities designed to connect gardeners to natural systems. With fun projects, useful charts, and creative journal prompts, The Little Gardener shows gardeners of all ages how to envision and build their garden together by making the process an adventure to be treasured, with much to learn along the way.
- GenresNonfictionGardening
224 pages, Hardcover
Published March 10, 2020
2 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 4, 2020
Hmmm. I expected to like this little book a bit more than I actually did. I am an avid self-taught gardener and my children love gardening too, especially when they have their own gardens. This book aims to teach adults (parents or teachers) how to start gardens with children and it gives quite a lot of information, but not the type that I'd actually find the most helpful like what the best first plants would be, what plants are good for what climates, what's good for a fall garden, how to train beans and peas to climb, etc.
It is a very wordy book, and it reminded me of when I do a web search for a recipe and end up on a blog where the author tells you a long story about the history of the recipe and goes on about the benefits of black garlic, and you just want to get to the recipe. That's how I felt with this book. There was so much talking that didn't really provide a lot of help. It would have benefited so much from photos or at least more relevant illustrations. For instance, she talks about keyhole gardens (which I love) but doesn't have a drawing of one. Later, there is a sketch of a simple keyhole plan (curved lines with an entry) but that's not the same at all as seeing how fantastic keyhole gardens actually look, especially for someone not familiar with them. Likewise, she gives instructions on making a teepee garden but leaves out tons of important information like preparing the soil underneath, what to plant (she mentions nasturtiums and green beans but nothing else and no specifics), removing grass so the seeds stand a chance, showing a picture, anything. I wouldn't feel comfortable trying that as a new gardener unless I searched for someone else's more detailed instructions and photos. It is such a long book but didn't ultimately feel as helpful as a short but more instructional book might have been.
There are helpful bits and the journal prompts are a nice touch. It is a nice resource but I feel that it could have been a bit better.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
It is a very wordy book, and it reminded me of when I do a web search for a recipe and end up on a blog where the author tells you a long story about the history of the recipe and goes on about the benefits of black garlic, and you just want to get to the recipe. That's how I felt with this book. There was so much talking that didn't really provide a lot of help. It would have benefited so much from photos or at least more relevant illustrations. For instance, she talks about keyhole gardens (which I love) but doesn't have a drawing of one. Later, there is a sketch of a simple keyhole plan (curved lines with an entry) but that's not the same at all as seeing how fantastic keyhole gardens actually look, especially for someone not familiar with them. Likewise, she gives instructions on making a teepee garden but leaves out tons of important information like preparing the soil underneath, what to plant (she mentions nasturtiums and green beans but nothing else and no specifics), removing grass so the seeds stand a chance, showing a picture, anything. I wouldn't feel comfortable trying that as a new gardener unless I searched for someone else's more detailed instructions and photos. It is such a long book but didn't ultimately feel as helpful as a short but more instructional book might have been.
There are helpful bits and the journal prompts are a nice touch. It is a nice resource but I feel that it could have been a bit better.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
April 6, 2020
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Not quite what I would expect for a book dealing with gardening with children; I found it very wordy and not quite as simple as one would think for children planting with a parent. Only my opinion.
Not quite what I would expect for a book dealing with gardening with children; I found it very wordy and not quite as simple as one would think for children planting with a parent. Only my opinion.
March 22, 2020
As spring rapidly approaches my family becomes eager for sights of first blooms and the smells of freshly tilled soil. Each year we prepare a small garden, and each year I say I will plan better the following year and never do.
The Little Gardener is exactly the resource I have been looking for. Not only is gardening an essential educational activity for youth of all ages, but it is a meaningful, and more importantly, a memorable experience. Moreover, young gardeners are proven to have increased positive environmental attitudes and understand more thoroughly how simple daily actions can cause environmental problems.
Things I want to rave about this book. Cerry really understands how to incorporate children into activities in the garden, right from the visualizing/planning stage straight through to the harvest. She encourages adults and children to each have a gardening journal to stay focused, in addition to creating a garden mission statement to remember the intentions and the foundation on which you want to grow upon. Included are journal prompts which are great for accessing goals,attitudes and evaluating if changes need to be made.
Helpful hints, recommend reading lists, and ideas for activities to do with your little gardener are scattered throughout the text, making this a comprehensive resource that gardeners of all skill levels can benefit from.
The Little Gardener is exactly the resource I have been looking for. Not only is gardening an essential educational activity for youth of all ages, but it is a meaningful, and more importantly, a memorable experience. Moreover, young gardeners are proven to have increased positive environmental attitudes and understand more thoroughly how simple daily actions can cause environmental problems.
Things I want to rave about this book. Cerry really understands how to incorporate children into activities in the garden, right from the visualizing/planning stage straight through to the harvest. She encourages adults and children to each have a gardening journal to stay focused, in addition to creating a garden mission statement to remember the intentions and the foundation on which you want to grow upon. Included are journal prompts which are great for accessing goals,attitudes and evaluating if changes need to be made.
Helpful hints, recommend reading lists, and ideas for activities to do with your little gardener are scattered throughout the text, making this a comprehensive resource that gardeners of all skill levels can benefit from.
January 22, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and Princeton Architectural Press for the opportunity to read and give an honest review of this book.
This little book would be useful to teachers or instructors that are working with children in planning and planting a first garden. It offers suggestions for journaling the process.
The author gives suggestions about books for more in depth reading, geared to adults, and it also gives recommendations for children.
The book takes you step by step in preparing and planting a garden. A gardener with considerable experience would not find a good deal of new information in this book. A teacher without any experience could find it helpful.
This little book would be useful to teachers or instructors that are working with children in planning and planting a first garden. It offers suggestions for journaling the process.
The author gives suggestions about books for more in depth reading, geared to adults, and it also gives recommendations for children.
The book takes you step by step in preparing and planting a garden. A gardener with considerable experience would not find a good deal of new information in this book. A teacher without any experience could find it helpful.
March 1, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Little Gardener is a tutorial and philosophy guide aimed at resource/teachers/families for facilitating a love of gardening in young people by allowing them to experience gardening and to a lesser degree journaling and expression. Due out 10th March 2020 from Princeton Architectural Press, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover format.
There are very few small kids who don't love planting seeds, digging in dirt, looking at insects & plant life, and generally spending time jumping in puddles and getting muddy. The trick is to get them attached to a lifetime of discovery before they get addicted to strictly indoor computer pursuits. This is the book for resource people (teachers, helpers, parents, extended family) to help them help kids to plan, execute, and enjoy a garden and hopefully build a habit of both experiencing and documenting the process of gardening and interacting with nature.
This book is a well written and accessible tool with concrete and specific exercises which are also *fun*. They're arranged logically in order of process: planning and dreaming, putting the plan into action, support, and fulfillment. Documentation in the form of journaling is encouraged throughout. There is a chapter especially focused on the role of the facilitating adult (teacher, parent, etc) which provides some creative tips for making gardening education both fun and rewarding for learners. There are a lot of good resources for helping educate kids and educating *ourselves* to provide guidance without just taking over.
The book is packed with exercises and sidebar tips which are appealing and practical. The line drawn illustrations are whimsical and fun. There is a good bibliography, links, and tips section, but no index.
Four stars. This would make a good selection for a library or classroom, community garden, youth centre, etc.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
The Little Gardener is a tutorial and philosophy guide aimed at resource/teachers/families for facilitating a love of gardening in young people by allowing them to experience gardening and to a lesser degree journaling and expression. Due out 10th March 2020 from Princeton Architectural Press, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover format.
There are very few small kids who don't love planting seeds, digging in dirt, looking at insects & plant life, and generally spending time jumping in puddles and getting muddy. The trick is to get them attached to a lifetime of discovery before they get addicted to strictly indoor computer pursuits. This is the book for resource people (teachers, helpers, parents, extended family) to help them help kids to plan, execute, and enjoy a garden and hopefully build a habit of both experiencing and documenting the process of gardening and interacting with nature.
This book is a well written and accessible tool with concrete and specific exercises which are also *fun*. They're arranged logically in order of process: planning and dreaming, putting the plan into action, support, and fulfillment. Documentation in the form of journaling is encouraged throughout. There is a chapter especially focused on the role of the facilitating adult (teacher, parent, etc) which provides some creative tips for making gardening education both fun and rewarding for learners. There are a lot of good resources for helping educate kids and educating *ourselves* to provide guidance without just taking over.
The book is packed with exercises and sidebar tips which are appealing and practical. The line drawn illustrations are whimsical and fun. There is a good bibliography, links, and tips section, but no index.
Four stars. This would make a good selection for a library or classroom, community garden, youth centre, etc.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes
April 22, 2020
The Little Gardner is a delightful foray into the world of nature told through the experiences of an outdoor educator who has taught children about their relationship with the environment for 15 years.
What comes through each paragraph is the authors passion for the natural world and excitement of sharing it with young minds. The book speaks primarily to the Little Gardner’s parent or teacher guiding them through steps designed to encourage children to engage the environment through gardening, while the wonderful illustrations hold the Little Gardner’s attention and allowing them to visualize their project and be excited about accomplishing it.
Throughout the book the author expresses, the importance and magic of our relationship with the environment and how the tactile engagement of little hands with seeds, plants and earth, growing their own vegetables and eating them can create a healthy life long love and connection with the Earth that provides for us. The thing that struck me most was that I could feel the author’s passion and love for her work wanting to communicate it as if a gift to young minds.
What comes through each paragraph is the authors passion for the natural world and excitement of sharing it with young minds. The book speaks primarily to the Little Gardner’s parent or teacher guiding them through steps designed to encourage children to engage the environment through gardening, while the wonderful illustrations hold the Little Gardner’s attention and allowing them to visualize their project and be excited about accomplishing it.
Throughout the book the author expresses, the importance and magic of our relationship with the environment and how the tactile engagement of little hands with seeds, plants and earth, growing their own vegetables and eating them can create a healthy life long love and connection with the Earth that provides for us. The thing that struck me most was that I could feel the author’s passion and love for her work wanting to communicate it as if a gift to young minds.
April 23, 2020
This book has so much heart and feels like the perfect book to read with your children during this time! Through beautiful stories and a wealth of practical gardening information, the author reminds us the importance of connecting our children with the natural world and shows us how a garden is the perfect parent-child, "big gardener-little gardener" project for such a connection to take shape. I really enjoyed how the book is intended for children and adults alike. There are sections, stories, and illustrations specifically intended for the "little gardener" and sections to help adults plan a successful gardening experience with their child. A beautifully written book all its own. Because of the lovely cover and illustrations as well as the meaningful content, The Little Gardener strikes me as an excellent and thoughtful gift too!
May 2, 2020
As a keen gardener and working with educators I was excited by this book. Unfortunately it did not live up to my expectations. It is trying to do to much but none of what the blurb suggests. I’m not sure who this is for? A beginner adult gardener perhaps. There is a lot of visualising and journaling ideas on offer but wouldn’t you want your reader to be out gardening? I’m really confused by this book. There is a plethora of information but also a whole lot of waffle. Not suitable for children at all but would probably make good compost if you found it not useful...the illustrations are nice.
*eARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley
*eARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley
March 17, 2020
It's a nice book with beautiful sketching pictures. The Authors, July Cerny, wrote step by step technical aspects his to connect our children to gardening activities. It is recommended for parents to make "green finger" their children and happy gardening for family.
Thanks a lot netgalley and publisher for giving me this lovely book.
Thanks a lot netgalley and publisher for giving me this lovely book.
April 21, 2020
A most delightful book! I loved it. Beautifully written and illustrated. A must for parents who want to engage their children with the natural world of gardening. The author helps parents and children create a beautiful garden together. The author, an environmental educator, is very passionate about the natural world. She shares her knowledge in a most thoughtful and interesting way.
September 28, 2020
Too wordy, not what I was looking for.
Dnf
Dnf
December 2, 2021
Some cute ideas, but I can't say I learned anything.
July 28, 2023
Beginner-friendly, let's say. Helpful for some, but no new information for me. If you've been gardening for years, I recommend you keep looking.
May 11, 2024
Very wordy without enough information. Very, very basic and yet lots of busy work.
July 8, 2024
More of a 3.75, gave me some ideas and helped support my gardening goals
January 9, 2020
This is a fun little gardening book it is fairly in-depth so children will need help but it’s pretty much a given it is meant to be fun bonding time between loved ones. This book will help to get children outdoors in a way that will allow them to better understand nature and the joys of exploring how to take care of something. This can be very exciting for young children as they watch the plant they care for grow and thrive.
With the help of this book, children will find creativity in planning a garden space and learning how to care for it. Hopefully it will instill a love for the outdoors and gardening because it can become a lifetime labor of love that is both relaxing and a valuable skill.
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review and I feel the author is very knowledgeable and does her best to instill a love for gardening her passion shows in the pages. I encourage you to read it and share it with the children in your life.
With the help of this book, children will find creativity in planning a garden space and learning how to care for it. Hopefully it will instill a love for the outdoors and gardening because it can become a lifetime labor of love that is both relaxing and a valuable skill.
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review and I feel the author is very knowledgeable and does her best to instill a love for gardening her passion shows in the pages. I encourage you to read it and share it with the children in your life.
December 21, 2019
Children spend a lot of time indoors. They are in school, they have after school activities and of course, when at home, they may enjoy indoor activities, spending time in front of screens. This book will help to get children outdoors, a place that they need to be and enjoy with an activity that does not involve competitive sports.
With the help of this book, children will conceive a garden and work on bringing it to fruition. They will imagine what they want to see, build it and make things grow. What could be better!
The author of this book cares about the outdoors, children and the growth that takes place in gardens. Her investment is clear in this book. She encourages adults and children to imagine a space and see it come to life over time. She knows that time spent in a garden is time well spent.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this title in exchange for an honest review.
With the help of this book, children will conceive a garden and work on bringing it to fruition. They will imagine what they want to see, build it and make things grow. What could be better!
The author of this book cares about the outdoors, children and the growth that takes place in gardens. Her investment is clear in this book. She encourages adults and children to imagine a space and see it come to life over time. She knows that time spent in a garden is time well spent.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this title in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2024
Great guide for an adult wanting to build a garden from the ground up, or add on to one, with help from a little gardener. Great insights, activities, directions, journal prompts, and resources. I'm planning to buy a copy to have on hand to always have it on hand. Will also be great as a preschool and an early homeschooling resource.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews