With Spring blooming, now is the perfect time to teach kids about gardening and growing plants! I love how well-written books can make learning so much more engaging and entertaining. Below is a list of books that have helped build excitement for growing in our home. This isn’t meant to be an exhaustive list, because there are a lot more books out there on gardening/growing plants. These are mostly brand new releases with a couple repeat favorites thrown in.
Disclosure: I received some of these books free from publishers to review. This post may contain affiliate links. I get a small commission if you purchase an item from an affiliate.
We Are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines and children
This book is perfect for families who have dreamed of planting a garden together. It’s full of important gardening and life lessons that the kids learn as they gain experience. Especially poignant are the messages about not giving up when you fail. Darling illustrations add to sweet, Springy feel. The text isn’t quite as poetic or rhythmic as many other picture books since it is co-written with Joanna’s children, but I think the casual style and voice works well for this book. And fans of the Gaines family will enjoy feeling like they’re joining the family on their journey. It is also a little longer and probably isn’t as well suited for the youngest kids.
Growing Season by Maryann Cocca-Leffler
This is a sweet story that combines friendship and caring for plants. Two little girls are best friends and the smallest in their class. They love being small together until one girl hits a growth spurt and the other feels left behind. The smaller girl also gets stuck with a tiny, flowerless plant to take care of during the school break, but over the summer both start to bloom!
Plant the Tiny Seed by Christie Matheson
With interactive text that encourages the child to touch the pages and make motions, this one is engaging and entertaining while also teaching about how plants grow. Interactive books are always a big hit with my kids!
If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson
Featuring gorgeous paintings paired with simple but profound text, this book relates planting a garden to life and kindness as it talks about planting seeds of selfishness versus seeds of kindness. Concepts that may feel abstract for young children are made much more understandable.
When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree by Jamie L.B. Deenihan
It tells the story of a girl who has a birthday wish list full of electronic gadgets and is disappointed when her grandmother gives her a lemon tree instead. As she takes the time to care for her growing tree and reaps the rewards of her harvest, she realizes that what she most wants has changed. The fun, child friendly text combines with sweet illustrations to share hints of kids unplugging and enjoying some fresh air, hard work, and connection. The message is impactful, but never feels forced or preachy.
Also check out:
