How Groundhog's Garden Grew   Author and illustrator Lynne Cherry provides a visual and verbal feast for parents and kids in this story of a hungry groundhog who learns to provide for himself and his friends by learning how to grow a garden.

  Blue Sky Press; ISBN: 0439323711 (February 2003)

Review by Mary Guthrie (February 23, 2003)
How Groundhog's Garden Grew imaginatively shows children the complicated process of planting a garden, making it understandable for kids and adults alike. It’s also the tale of one little creature’s learning about how to take care of himself, and then being able to share with others.

It all begins when Little Groundhog gets in trouble for eating out of a neighbor’s garden. His friend Squirrel steps in to guide him, and the reader, through the process of finding seeds, cutting up potatoes, arranging plants for ideal sun exposure, and transplanting seedlings. We share Little Groundhog’s joy at the sight of the first tiny vegetables, and eventually how he gives his garden’s bounty to many animal friends in a magnificent Thanksgiving feast.

Author and illustrator Lynne Cherry has provided a feast for the eyes, from Little Groundhog’s alert eyes to the lush and realistic depictions of plants, birds, bugs, bees and vegetables. The pages are bordered with detailed drawings of seeds, species and plant varieties.

It would be impossible for a child to hear this story and not learn something of vital importance, about everything from the complicated interdependence of the natural world to the simple effectiveness of composting and going pesticide-free. Parents be forewarned: It’s also probably impossible to read How Groundhog’s Garden Grew and not have your child want to plant a garden.

The author has provided resources to help schools and families with their own gardens. This book has arrived at the perfect time. As we long for the spring’s moisture and the warmth of summer, we can sit down with our families and think about where to put the tomatoes, dreaming of our own feasts.

Visit Lynn Cherry's Web site at www.LynneCherry.com

To learn more about the reviewer, Mary Guthrie, click here.

To see Generation Green's reading list for kids and intermediate readers, click here.