Illustrations by Michelle Carlos
Published: Running Press Kids, an imprint of Hatchette Book Group, Inc. (January 2025)
Pages: 151
Grade Level: 3 - 7
ISBN: 978-007624-8570-3
This book was one of the options from Junior Library Guild. I was updating the gardening section in our library and thought it looked interesting. The book is divided into four main sections.
Part 1 is The Plant Playbook. Readers learn about the parts of plants, what tools they need, what kind of containers, fertilizer, needs of plants, and plant care. All these things are spelled out in full. For example, there is a list of items gardeners use such as garden twine, gloves, trowel, plant tags, potting soil, pruners, support stakes, and watering can.
Beginners can find it confusing to read a plant tag, and the basics are spelled out as to the name of the plant, the light needed, water, size the plant can grow, and more.
Part 2 discusses growing houseplants. This is the largest section. Each plant includes the scientific name, and what kind of care the plant needs. We also learn about common problems for each plant. I like that each plant is listed as “Pet Safe" if it is!
Part 3 discusses growing food indoors including, growing citrus trees, microgreens, herbs, and hydroponics.
Part 4 is a glossary of plant terminology.
Even non-gardeners might enjoy learning more about some of their favorite plants.
One thing I wish I had read before I planted my outdoor containers is that choosing plants is as easy as these three design words for planting in pots. Thriller, filler, and spiller. The thriller is a cool plant that catches attention, spiller is a plant that hangs over the edge of the pot and looks pretty, and filler fills the spaces. I realize now that I planted mostly fillers. Oh, well, next time.
Reviewed by Audrey Campbell, MED
Reading Specialist and Library Media Center Director
Valley Adventist Schools, Rogers Campus
Author: Michael J. Gelb and Sarah Miller Caldicott
