Customer Reviews

Sow and Grow: A Gardening Book for Children

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's my own fault for not checking before buying, to make sure it had the content I was looking for. But other entries in this series (Look and Cook, See and Sew) have been both charming and practical, so I wasn't concerned.

There's really nothing wrong with this book. It's just that if you're looking for a way to introduce gardening to children, and you think of gardening as being outside digging and weeding and whatnot, this book has a focus you won't find very useful.

There is a different project for each month. Forcing blooms on a branch, for example, or pressing flowers. These are definitely ways of being involved with nature and plants. But they seem kind of tangental, or maybe just too subcategory, to gardening as a whole--almost like holding nature at arm's length and reducing it to a decoration or a curiousity.

It's full of the usual great collection of vintage illustrations. But if you're looking for a way to get out there and garden with kids, check out the related links under "customers who bought this also bought..."

Children are curious about and fascinated with nature. Couple this curiosity with the experience of gardening and the result will be a child that appreciates the fruits, vegetables, and grains that nature has to offer. "Sow And Grow: A Gardening Book For Children" is specifically designed and written by Tina Davis to provide young readers with a calendar of indoor-gardening and related activities, each of which is linked to seasonal celebrations and changes. Beautifully illustrated throughout, "Sow And Grow" begins with basic explanations of the various parts of plants from seed to flower to fruit. Then addresses what plants need to thrive. Then beginning with January and working through to December, specific and 'kid friendly' projects are provided with step-by-step instructions. January is 'Growing Plants from Seeds', May is 'Window Boxes', September is 'Pressing Flowers and Leaves', December is 'Decorating and Caring for Houseplants'. Enhanced with extensive Gardening Notes, "Sow And Grow" is enthusiastically recommended for both family and community library Gardening reference and instructional guide collections for children.

I bought this for my granddaughter who was showing an interest in windowsill gardening. When the book arrived I almost kept it for myself, it was so well done. Rosie was just beginning to read so she could read and follow the step-by-step process to planting and growing her own garden. I highly recommend any of the books in this series, the author is right on with her explanations on how to do many things children are interested in.

We love this book... I love vintage pictures and enjoyed that aspect so very much as we delve into learning more about plants. I am not an experienced gardener... just a beginner as a busy Mom who wants to enjoy our small outside yard and teach my young children to do the same. This book was wonderful for me to inspire myself and my children with projects that carry through the year and information that built the foundation. Great for homeschooling and for a stepping stone to see if you want to go further with gardening :-)

This is a beautiful book. It is a conglomerate of pictures and text from various vintage publications. It is suited for girls and has lots of super cute and fun activities for indoors and outdoors. This is a GREAT gift idea. I love looking at the back of the book at the credits and seeing just how old some of the illustrations are! You will not be disappointed!

I thought I would love this book. And it is really cute. But that's about it. Not many projects and not very inspiring. Too bad!