Planting the Wild Garden [Hardcover]

Kathryn O. Galbraith (Author), Wendy Anderson Halperin (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2011 | Age Range: 6 and up | Lexile Measure: 490L (What's this?)

Seed by seed, we plant the wild meadow garden wind and water, birds and animals, plants and people all of us together.

In this lyrical picture book, author Kathryn O. Galbraith explains the many ways in which seeds are spread and planted.

A farmer and her son plant vegetables in their garden, and the wind carries a few seeds away. Birds and animals may carry some along with them on their travels. Sometimes the rain washes them away to a new and unexpected location. And sometimes something more extraordinary occurs, as in when the pods of the Scotch Broom plant open explosively in the summer heat, scattering seed everywhere like popcorn. Year-round, we all play a role in the dispersal of seeds throughout our landscape, planting the wild garden together.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Starred review
"...It s a thoroughly handsome book, suffused with calm." --Publishers Weekly (February 14, 2011)

"...There s plenty to pore over and savor; this title would germinate nicely in primary classrooms and sow curiosity in one-on-one sharing. --Kirkus (March 1, 2011) ...from the elegant seed-full endpapers to the carefully selected font, this is a lovely introduction to the modes of seed dispersal... -School Library Journal

...A natural choice for curriculum connections. --Booklist (April 15, 2011)

"...There s plenty to pore over and savor; this title would germinate nicely in primary classrooms and sow curiosity in one-on-one sharing. --Kirkus (March 1, 2011)

...A natural choice for curriculum connections. --Booklist (April 15, 2011)

About the Author

Kathryn Galbraith is the author of numerous children s picture books and novels. She teaches writing for children at the University of Washington.

Product Details

• Age Range: 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Peachtree Publishers; 1 edition (April 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561455636
• ISBN-13: 978-1561455638
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 9.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #280,295 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #56 in Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Botany

More About the Author

I have loved the pencil ever since I can remember. I was born in Illinois and used to ride horses and ponies with my sisters and friends as a child. There was a hitching post at our grocery store.We would pack a lunch and come home at the end of the day.
My father always supported the arts. If I came home and wanted to glue plastic toys on the hood of my car he would say something like "Come on in here, Wendy I think I have the perfect glue." My mother is a sculptor and loves to talk about art and design. We always had very inspiring books around from amazing forts in trees to an artist making houses out of bottles and plaster. These books have inspired me to want to make things.
I studied art at Syracuse University and Pratt Institute. I continued to study with a painter, David Hardey in Oakland CA for 2 years. It was with David I learned to draw and drawing has been my main interest ever since. I have loved the audience of children for my work. I also like to consider the other person reading the book to a child and hope my work inspires some conversation beyond the text.
I find the natural world a constant source of fascinating material to draw. From interesting clothing in Bolivia to a bamboo forest to leeks in my garden. For me, drawing is a lovely way to get to know someone or something.
My favorite award was a nomination from an environmental award committee for "Planting the Wild Garden" as I like to think of myself as an environmentalist just because I like to show the abundance of beauty in our world.
I also like to draw relationships between people. Kindness between a child and a grandparent or just someone listening to someone else.
I would like to thank everyone for being part of my journey in these books.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully-illustrated ode to the seasons and Mother Nature April 13, 2011

By Z Hayes HALL OF FAMETOP 50 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

Though my kindergartener has graduated to chapter books, we still check picture books out from our local library. We are particularly enchanted by books with delightful illustrations, lyrical prose or verse, and a positive, inspiring message.

In Planting The Wild Garden, the reader is initially introduced to a farmer and her boy, gently tending to planting in their garden. As the reader continues, the scene changes to one which depicts seeds being dispersed by nature - the wind, rain, birds, animals, and plants. The lush illustrations are painted in beautiful, earth-toned hues that truly enchant and hold the reader's attention. Perfect for reading aloud, and used in the classroom and home. This is a book that I think will be a classic - to be enjoyed by both the young and old, and makes an excellent addition to any home and school library.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Enchanting tale of nature April 5, 2011

By Raising a Happy Child

Format:Hardcover

My 4 year old enjoyed the book very much. Illustrations are very engaging, especially in the inserts showing plant details. It's a great spring read for children and adults.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely and educational too! June 13, 2011

By Toni Leland

Format:Hardcover

In Planting the Wild Garden, the author does a great job of describing the magic of how the world around us comes alive with plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees, with the help of wildlife, the weather, and even humans. Seeds and nuts play the starring role throughout the story as they travel by whatever means available, eventually settling into their own special place to produce something wonderful.

The story is a charming journey through a meadow, enhanced by lovely pastel watercolor illustrations that set a relaxing mood. The language is simple and descriptive, and easily read and understood by emerging readers; likewise, the read-aloud story will appeal to preschoolers with their eager curiosity about the world around us. A wonderful way to introduce children to the concepts of gardening!

(Copy provided free to me by Peachtree Publishers)