Customer Reviews

Compost Stew

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What a unique an engaging book! The illustrations are fascinating and I really loved the rhymes. It's not often that an alphabet book flows along so seamlessly, especially one that tackles such a unique subject. This works well as a read aloud and I think would be even better with one on one sharing so everyone can fully enjoy the captivating illustrations. This is a perfect choice for any preschool or kindergarten classroom looking to introduce environmental issues and activities, since creating a compost stew is something anyone can do! A huge recommend both for the text and illustrations.

The compost bin is open and ready to accept a few additions so "environmental chefs" can whip up some "Compost Stew." Get ready to listen, and you'll find a list of ingredients from A to Z that are just perfect for Compost Stew. A young girl with a gorgeous mane of curly red hair has apple cores, a dalmatian is running with bruised bananas, and a goose has coffee grounds still in their paper filter. "Dirt clods, crumbled / Eggshells, crushed / Fruit pulp left behind, all mushed / Grass clippings / Hair snippings / and an Insect or two." There are many interesting ingredients in the stew that you might not think of.

Into the pot everything goes. It's all mixed together and will eventually rot and turn into Compost Stew. You might think of saving jack-o'-lanterns, but how about the lint that has collected in your dryer trap? A little dab of oatmeal will work and even seaweed is welcome into the bin. "Just add to the pot / and let it all rot / into Compost Stew." There are so many things that can be used in the bin that will eventually turn into rich soil. Can you think of anything that could be added to your bin to make Compost Stew?

This book is a marvelously ingenious way to teach everyone many things about composting the easy way. The "instructions" are very easy and fun to follow as this ABC story in rhyme wends its way through the pages showing us many things that can be composted. Many more young people are interested in doing their share to help create a better Earth and composting is not only educational, but a lot of fun. There are several instructional books available, but this one is perfect for the youngest gardeners. They will not only listen and learn, they will also have some great visual artwork to learn from. If you are thinking about how you will teach your children to appreciate the Earth, this book is probably one you are going to add to your list!

A book to educate and charm children through adults about composting. As a teacher, I am always looking for books to enlighten, inspire and enrich the minds of my students ... and me as well. If a book doesn't "grab" me, then I cannot consider introducing it to my students. This book completely "grabbed" me and I will continue to share this book with my students, and their parents, for many years to come!

This is a simple, yet very well written alphabet book packed with tons of information about composting. My students and I have just started composting at our school, and this was one of our sources. I did not rely on this exclusively, of course, but used it as a starting point. They have returned to it several times this year, and will be reading it to the younger students. This should definitely be in one of your classroom library baskets.

Our school has gardens and compost bins so this was a great find for the early childhood classrooms. The illustrations are colorful and continue the theme of earth friendly practices by recycling materials into bright collage. The rhyme and rhythm of the text holds everything together. A delightful book.