In the Garden

Gr 2-5–Giuliani showcases the life cycle of a garden from season to season in this interactive and informative book. Plum and her brother Robin (depicted as silhouettes) work in their garden from winter to the return of winter, providing insight about the plants, processes, and animals that make up their day-to-day work with the earth. The narrative unfolds in large full-page spreads with flaps to reveal details about particular aspects of garden upkeep and how the change in seasons creates life. Readers will learn about everything from how the water cycle impacts the garden to what certain seeds and bulbs become. Simple illustrations with sharp colors pair nicely to highlight the intricate workings of the siblings’ garden. From the flap that reveals what tools Plum and Robin keep in their shed to what the inside of winter squash looks like, each provides tactile fun. The format allows readers to see the garden’s evolution and get a holistic view of how backyard life grows and thrives.