Nonfiction Books

Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots: Gardening Together with Children (Gardening together with children)

Sharon Lovejoy

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Subjects -> Children's Books -> Science, Nature & How It Works -> Nature -> Gardening -> Nonfiction

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 31 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Green thumbs and non-green thumbs alike will fall in love with Roots, Shoots, Buckets, & Boots, a remarkably fun and informative introduction to the wonderful world of gardening--and more specifically, gardening with children. Learn how to make everything from a pizza garden (pizza-pie-shaped, with herbs and vegetables for a fabulous pizza at harvest time), to a sunflower house (a secret hideaway with stately sunflowers and lovely creeping morning glories), to a moon garden ("Fragrance is the color of night"). Chock full of helpful hints, clever and artistic touches, and intriguing "recipes" (Moth Broth and Compost Sandwich, to name a few), this idea book will spark creativity and a lifelong fascination with gardening. Nine concepts for theme gardens are presented in a clearly defined yet non-rigid manner that is just right for encouraging young gardeners. Sharon Lovejoy, award-winning author and illustrator of several gardening books, including Hollyhock Days: Garden Adventures for the Young at Heart, has a true knack for working with all kinds of living things, including children. She understands how quickly young people will be turned off by inflexible rules, and instead encourages budding green thumbs to experiment and explore, while providing them with useful guidelines and helpful information. Wonderfully earthy watercolors make this cozy book even more welcoming. (All ages) --Emilie Coulter

Junior Girl Scout Handbook

Amazon Price: $10.95 List Price: $10.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Girl Scouts of the USA Amazon Marketplace: 99 new & used starting at $0.01

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

I love It. I am a Girl Scout 5 out of 5 stars.
9 of 11 people found this review helpful.

It was a very good book. It inspired me and now that I am in Girl Scouts I feel like a better person.

I wish we had a better handbook, but this is the one we got... 2 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

...so if you have a daughter who is a Junior, please buy her
the handbook. It is considerably more difficult to earn badges
if you don't have a copy of the handbook at home, as earning
many of the badges requires that you do the activities in
the handbook. If you are trying to save money, get a
used copy or do without a uniform. Besides a
sash or vest to put earned badges, the handbook and badgebook
are the most necessary objects a Junior Girl Scout
needs to have to get the most out of the program.

review by 9 yr old junior~ 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I reallu like this book because it helped me with my juniors and all!!!!! I also learned to cooaprate with the leader be cause they sey that its hard.

really helpful 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

If you have a junior this book is really handy if you want to earn interest badges.

Pumpkin Circle: The Story of a Garden

George Levenson

Amazon Price: $7.99 List Price: $7.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Tricycle Press Amazon Marketplace: 47 new & used starting at $1.58

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Thic book is awesome!!! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

My son is two & absolutely loves this book. The rhymes are so sweet & perfect with the photos od the book. My son loves pumpkins & understands the the concept of the seed b/c of this book. I wish i could find it in hard cover.

Great story about the life cycle of a pumpkin 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is a very informative, yet enjoyable book. It is wonderful. The pictures are great. My preschool class loves this book.

Pumpkin Circle: The Story of a Garden 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book was in GREAT condition! It arrived quickly and I am very happy with my order.

great book for kids of various ages 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

this book is informative,uses real pictures and is a great book for families with various ages in children ,very educational.

Great Book! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

The book was as described. Great condition and was shipped super fast! Great seller!!

Editorial Review:

Tricycle Press is proud to present two new editions of the critically acclaimed Pumpkin Circle. Pumpkin seedlings grow, sprout, bud, and bloom, offering up their golden fruit, then break down into rich soil from which seeds sprout again—a circle without end. The skillfully translated Spanish language edition and a first-time paperback version are sure to create a whole new crop of pumpkin lovers.

Jack's Garden

Amazon Price: $6.99 List Price: $6.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: HarperTrophy Amazon Marketplace: 37 new & used starting at $3.20

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Light hearted educational picture book for kids of all ages 5 out of 5 stars.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful.

Whoever coined the proverb, "a picture is worth a thousand words" could have been talking about Jack's Garden by Henry Cole.
This book is an excellent illustration of how, step by step, a garden is planted and what the seeds and living creatures do from that point on. We get to see above and below the soil as the garden progresses throughout the season. There are all the names of the plants and creatures labelled neatly next to each, on the main page and in the margins. Best of all, the classic children's poem about the house that Jack built is modified into a catchy text for each picture that makes understanding the magic of a little garden ecosystem effortless for kids as young as three years.

Top notch illustrations and a unique format set this picture book apart and earned it a permanent place in my collection. I only wish I had it in hardback!

Editorial Review:

"Building on a rhyme that will be familiar to many children, author-illustrator Cole creates an enticing guide to creating a garden. 'This is the garden that Jack planted...' The final illustration presents a satisfied-looking boy surrounded by a lush, bird-filled flower garden....A concluding page of gardening suggestions serves as a springboard to books with more specific guidelines."--Horn Book.

Beowulf: A New Telling

Robert Nye

Amazon Price: $5.99 List Price: $5.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Laurel Leaf Amazon Marketplace: 60 new & used starting at $0.01

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 33 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

As dreadful as Grendel himself 1 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

Rather than offering my own opinion of this book, I will give you a few brief quotations describing the major characters and allow you to decide for yourself if this book is worth reading. Author Robert Nye describes the character of Beowulf as "weak and sickly" in his youth and "below average size" as an adult. He also describes Beowulf as "short sighted." He claims that Beowulf "admits to his weaknesses" and is "not given to boasting." This begs the question: what Beowulf is Nye talking about? The real Beowulf, the one that we know from the epic 7th century poem, was none of these things. We are told that he was neither small nor weak, but rather he possessed the strength of 30 men ("thirty men's might in the grip of his hand").This is how he was able to overpower his adversary, the demon Grendel, when no other man could challenge Grendel. The original Beowulf boasted quite often. Apparently, Robert Nye has his own idea of how a "hero" should behave. Instead of arrogance in Beowulf we see humility when he says, "He was a better swimmer than I" in reference to his dramatic swimming race against Breca. The problem here is that Beowulf did not lose this race with Breca. He won! But Nye's Beowulf cannot be all-powerful and still be humble, meek and peace-loving. We know from the original story that Beowulf cut off Grendel's head after he was dead, so he could offer it to the Danes as a trophy. This action was apparently too harsh for Nye. Instead, he tells us that Beowulf cut off Grendel's head in self-defense after Grendel momentarily came back from the dead!

The character of Unferth has also been dramatically altered. He is portrayed as both pathetic and evil, a drunkard full of contempt for Beowulf and his people. As such, his words carry no weight and he really serves no purpose in the story. The real Unferth was an insecure man, who was desperately afraid of Beowulf gaining more glory than him. But there is no evidence in the poem that he was evil or that he hated his own people.

The depiction of Grendel's mother in this book is downright laughable. Nye tells us that she has "red lips" and "hanging breasts." Furthermore, "she had eyes in her breasts." We are never told why she needs eyes in her breasts, but I guess the author just liked this visual.

Grendel's mother is also described as the "wife of Cain." According to Nye, Cain had sex with Grendel's mother (an evil serpent) and the resulting offspring was the hideous creature Grendel. To someone unfamiliar with the poem, this might seem logical. But this is where Robert Nye really misses the point (or chooses to ignore the point). Grendel is a descendant of Cain - this much is true. But Grendel's evil nature did not arise because of a sinful union between Cain and his mother. Cain was already sinful after killing his brother and then being cast out by God. As a result, his offspring were evil and - over thousands of years - slowly became monstrous. This happened because Cain and his offspring were separated from God.

It shouldn't be surprising, however, that Nye fails to address this point. As previous reviewers have already stated, Nye chooses to ignore the Christian basis of the poem. His Beowulf has no relationship with God. In the poem, we know that Beowulf draws strength and inspiration from God, and he thanks God for his successes in battle ("the deadly struggle at the start would have ended, if God had not watched over me") Instead, Nye tells us that "Beowulf's best weapon was himself. He put all his faith in that." Beowulf believed in himself fully and therefore had no need for God - according to Mr. Nye. Let's not forget that this story is really about the battle between good and evil, Beowulf (God) versus Grendel (Satan). The poem tells us that Grendel came from Hell, and that he was an "enemy of God," who "waged war against God." Regarding Beowulf, the poem tells us that "Holy God has sent him to help our people."

If you choose to read this book you will notice that Mr. Nye wisely includes a disclaimer: "This is an interpretation, not a translation." Perhaps this is how he justifies changing the original story to such an extent that the characters are unrecognizable. His book, therefore, is not an interpretation of the original story but an alteration of it. Instead of bringing honor to the poem, he dishonors it.

There's nothing wrong with Mr. Nye writing a story about a humble, unimpressive man who manages to overcome his weaknesses. He just shouldn't have named him Beowulf.

Editorial Review:

He comes out of the darkness, moving in on his  victims in deadly silence. When he leaves, a trail  of blood is all that remains. He is a monster,  Grendel, and all who know of him live in fear.

  Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, knows something  must be done to stop Grendel. But who will guard  the great hall he has built, where so many men have  lost their lives to the monster while keeping  watch?

Only one man dares to stand up to  Grendel's fury --Beowulf.

The New Garden Paradise: Great Private Gardens of the World

Dominique Browning, The Editors of House & Garden

Amazon Price: $45.95 List Price: $65.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: W. W. Norton Amazon Marketplace: 39 new & used starting at $39.07

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Gardening & Horticulture -> Garden Design
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Gardening & Horticulture -> Landscape

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

A celebration in words and breathtaking images of thirty-five landscapes created for private clients by today's preeminent designers.

This is a time of renewed originality in garden design. The last twenty years have seen a lucky confluence of money and talent lavished on gardening, and the results are surprising, enchanting, sometimes even controversial. The range of possibilities suggested by these thirty-five gardens is extraordinary: from Jacques Wirtz's undulating beech hedges that recede mysteriously into the mist to Penelope Hobhouse's latest interpretation of the traditional English garden, to Martha Schwartz's Texas creation of red, yellow, and pink painted garden rooms.

These hidden masterworks of modern gardening are unlocked for us by the authority, experience, and resources of House & Garden magazine. Every page is an invitation to explore landscapes that have never before been seen by the public—and may never be seen again. International in scope and lavish in its production, this book is the last word on the state of design in the garden world. 340 color photographs.

A Kid's Herb Book

Lesley Tierra

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Robert D. Reed Publishers Amazon Marketplace: 33 new & used starting at $11.02

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Gardening & Horticulture -> Herbs

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Good book but wish more herbs were listed 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is a good book and my son and I both enjoyed the fairy tale-like stories in each chapter about how the herbs came to be known for their healing qualities. There are a lot of recipes and activities for each herb but it's not what I personally was looking for. I was hoping there would be more different kinds of herbs listed and what they are used for.

a great book, not just for kids 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I found this from an EarthWalk class that I sometimes volunteer for. A 4th grader showed this book to her teacher who in turn showed it to us. I wrote down the name and bought it a few days later. Why? Because it is really informative and done really really well. I'm new to the whole outdoor, edible herb thing so I feel like I could use a kid's book to help teach me (it even has sections for me to color!) :-)

fun, useful creative 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Reviewed by Juanita Watson for Reader Views (4/07)

Lesley Tierra's book is just as the subtitle suggests, "for children of all ages." This fantastic herbal showcases 16 commonly used medicinal plants that could realistically form the core of a home herbal pharmacy. It is truly a great introduction to the world of herbs.

I adore Tierra's original stories for each herb which will stretch children's imaginations while connecting them deeper to the spirit of each plant. Lesley pays special attention to warnings where indicated, explains specific doses for children, and includes a convenient quick guide to treating illnesses (matching symptoms with herbal remedy).

Beautiful drawings adorn nearly every page of this book bringing each and every page to life. As an adult I appreciate the visual aspect, so I can only imagine that children will fall for them too - maybe even color in some of the bigger pictures adding an artistic element to the book itself.

Tierra's includes sing-along songs for each herb (with accompanying sheet music), as well as a vast array of crafts, projects, activities and herbal recipes. This author hasn't left anything out, and it doesn't surprise me knowing her background and the 15 years spent researching this book. Tierra is a nationally renowned practicing herbalist with family and friends in the herb world, many of whom somehow contributed to this book.

The thing that really stood out for me about "A Kid's Herb Book" is the way the author attempts to connect the reader (parents, children, and ultimately, that inner child within all of us) with the amazing life force found in herbs. This book is a timely bridge that serves to unite the heart of each reader with the natural world in fun, useful, creative and joy-filled ways. I feel that this is what makes "A Kid's Herb Book" unique in comparison to many other herb books on the shelves today.

Editorial Review:

Description Coming Soon

Scratch and Sniff: Garden

DK Publishing

List Price: $6.95 By: DK Preschool Amazon Marketplace: 26 new & used starting at $0.04

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Scents of Summer! 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Santa brought my little 2 yr old daughter this book for X-mas! She loves this book and so do I as it is a delight to smell fresh cut grass and fresh cedar wood in the dead of winter here! Am even getting a copy of this book for my 90 yr old grandmother who lives in a nursing home. How she would love to revisit these "warm weather day" smells!

Great to teach little ones to smell! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

My son who is 11 months loves this book and he loves to smell (and lick!) the different items. It has simple text in the form of questions ("Does the rose smell sweet?") alongside with real-life photos.

The smells are: Rose, Lavendar, Pine, Grass, Mint.

It has lasted for a few months of abuse so far except for the last page (Mint) which the scent has faded.

I would definitly recommend this book and I look forward to owning the others in the scratch and sniff series.

Editorial Review:

The smells of the great outdoors are captured in DK's small, sturdy board book Scratch and Sniff Garden. "What can you smell in the garden? Is the scent of the rose sweet?" the book begins. When you scratch the lovely yellow rose, it does indeed smell quite realistically roselike. Kids can also experience the pungent smells of lavender, a log, a newly mowed lawn, and a bunch of mint. This is a great way to introduce your kids to the aromatic wonders of the plant kingdom. And, DK's Scratch and Sniff Food is fun, too. (Baby to preschool)

Green Thumbs: A Kid's Activity Guide to Indoor and Outdoor Gardening (A Kid's Guide series)

Laurie Carlson

Amazon Price: $10.36 List Price: $12.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Chicago Review Press Amazon Marketplace: 43 new & used starting at $6.57

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Neat, but you could think of this things on your own. 2 out of 5 stars.
11 of 16 people found this review helpful.

It was a neat idea, but really anyone could have written this book. An internet search could have taken care of the entire book. Save your money.

Informative and full of great ideas! 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I love this book. Yes, much of the information can be found online, but I wouldn't have thought to look up some of these things.

If you're already an experienced gardener, this book may be a waste of time, but if you're a beginner and want to get your kids involved, it's great for motivating the 'budding' gardener.

This book is full of ideas for making gardening tools and materials using everyday household objects, like empty milkjugs (you can do many things with those!), muffin tins, 2-liter bottles, egg cartons, etc. There are recipes for natural, homemade bug sprays, pest strips, composting, and more.

I found it informative as well. There are bits of information about butterflies and how to attract them, weeds, worms, pests, helpful plants(what grows well with what) and critters, growing plants from leaf cuttings, tasty recipes using things you've grown, making herbed butter, starting your outdoor garden, growing seedlings indoors, making birdfeeders, gourd rattles, catnip bags, and lots more good stuff...and all using things you have around the house.

A great resource for the beginners and kids who like crafty things.

Editorial Review:

Kids will be creating their own gardens in no time with a guide to indoor and outdoor gardening projects that offers a way for kids to get exercise, fresh air, and learn about nature all at the same time. Original. IP.

Sow and Grow: A Gardening Book for Children

Tina Davis

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Stewart, Tabori & Chang Amazon Marketplace: 40 new & used starting at $7.98

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Kids are captivated by growing things. They’re fascinated by the way a seed, when planted, watered, and cared for, sprouts into a baby plant that’s soon putting out its first roots and leaves. Inspired by children’s innate affinity for gardening, Tina Davis has created Sow and Grow—a year’s worth of playtime ideas that combine fun and learning with a child’s sense of wonder at the natural world.

In this, the third in her enchantingly designed series of children’s books, Davis has devised a calendar of indoor-gardening and related activities, all linked to seasonal celebrations and changes: For April, she suggests planting tiny spring gardens in eggshells. For September, pressing late-summer flowers and autumn leaves. For December, decorating the house with living greenery. Each activity is described in child-friendly language—and parents are invited to participate!

Sow and Grow also acquaints children with the basics of plant biology, teaching them the meanings of words like “fruit” and “flower” and explaining the roles of light, air, and water in plants’ development. Like Davis’s other books, Sow and Grow is illustrated with charming vintage drawings from children’s books of the past. Its lay-flat wire-o binding makes it easy to refer to during use.