Follow the progress of a little girl and her father as they purchase "a garden," and board the bus to carry it home. The pansies, tulips, daffodils, geraniums, and daisies are lovingly planted in a window box, and the candles on the cake are lighted--just as Mom walks in the door to find her daughter, her husband, and her birthday surprise.
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
A girl and her father create a window box as a birthday present for her mother. PW said, "The plot scarcely portends the appeal of this lyrical, ebullient book." Ages 3-7. (Apr.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 1-A comforting, richly illustrated story about a birthday surprise. An urban African-American girl and her father buy plants, potting soil, and a window box at the supermarket, ride the bus to their apartment, and put together a colorful gift for the child's mother. Rhyming verse carries the brief story, while wonderful, warm, full-color illustrations present scenes from novel angles, and depict a loving family with a sense of intimacy, sincerity, and joy. A reassuring choice for reading aloud.
Barbara Peklo Abrahams, Oneida City Schools, Manlius, NY
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Barbara Peklo Abrahams, Oneida City Schools, Manlius, NY
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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More About the Author
Eve Bunting has written more than 200 books for children, many of which can be found in libraries around the world. Her other Clarion titles for very young readers include My Big Boy Bed, which was also illustrated by Maggie Smith, and Little Bear's Little Boat, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter. She lives in Pasadena, California.
Customer Reviews
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
my pre-school class found the book to be very exciting and could'nt wait for me to turn the next page.the bright colors of the cover and pages were so liking a good childrens book,that we planted a garden like described in the book.i have had parents ask where can they get this wonderful book for their own child. we really enjoyed it!this book described a family so close and loving,you can't help but smell the flowers and feel the love in that household.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
We have a two-year-old daughter who picks this book out every day and every night to read. The illustrations are breathtaking. The story is simple but relevant; we follow every detail as the father and daughter walk the city street and ride the bus. We love to watch the daughter planting the flowers with her father; the mother coming home from school to see her birthday surprise. I have no doubt that this book will be with us for another generation or more (at least in our house). Thank you to the two wonderful artists who created such a special book.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A very simple, beautifully illustrated story, told in gentle rhyme, of a young girl and her father embarking on a journey by bus to the grocery store to buy a window flower box. The purpose of the expedition is revealed when Mother walks in the door, carrying schoolbooks, to find the flowers, birthday cake and chocolate ice cream. The book ends with an image of the family cozily looking out the window over the flowers, which present a small oasis of beauty in a gray urban world.
This is a lovely depiction of a loving family spending their limited means extravagantly in an expression of love. The way this father includes his daughter in the project of honoring Mother's birthday expresses excellent leadership, good child training, and tenderness toward his wife. Implicit is the fact that this family works hard, with limited means, and that beauty means a great deal to them.
This is a lovely depiction of a loving family spending their limited means extravagantly in an expression of love. The way this father includes his daughter in the project of honoring Mother's birthday expresses excellent leadership, good child training, and tenderness toward his wife. Implicit is the fact that this family works hard, with limited means, and that beauty means a great deal to them.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
absolutely love this book!
This is a beautifully illustrated, lovely, well thought out book about a little girl and her father buying and planting flowers in a window box to surprise the mom for her... Read more
Published 11 months ago by inferiordecorator
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful Story
Customer Video Review
Length:
0:54
Mins
Published 15 months ago by Annamarie Squailia
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely Book
My two- and four-year olds just love this book. They want me to read it over and over again. Sweet and simple text and beautiful illustrations.
Published 23 months ago by Nicole
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful book
I bought this book for my 3 year old. Awesome art. Nice full page pictures with a great story a real gem. She loves to look at it by herself over and over again.
Published on September 5, 2010 by Viewer21
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great for toddlers!
I borrowed this book from the public library for my 3 year old daughter and after I returned it, she kept asking for the "flower book. Read more
Published on August 1, 2005 by N. Ertha
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book is fabulous
I am a student teacher in a three year old preschool classroom. We recently planted mums outside our window, and afterwards read this story to the children. Read more
Published on October 16, 1998
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