What are some of your favorite plants or flowers?

This is a discussion prompt for A Very Young Gardener by Jill Krementz. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

If you had your own garden, what would you like to grow?

This is a discussion prompt for A Very Young Gardener by Jill Krementz. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What do you think Ashley learned about nature during her gardening year?

This is a discussion prompt for A Very Young Gardener by Jill Krementz. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

How do the seasons change what you can do in a garden?

This is a discussion prompt for A Very Young Gardener by Jill Krementz. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

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A Very Young Gardener

Name: A Very Young Gardener
ISBN: 9780803708754

by Jill Krementz

Follow six-year-old Ashley through a year of gardening as she grows flowers and vegetables in this engaging photographic look at nature and growth.

About This Book

Text and photographs feature highlights of the gardening year as six-year-old Ashley grows flowers and vegetables in her garden, looks at native plants in the woods, and visits a botanical garden.

Concepts

Curiosity & Wonder Joy & Gratitude Resilience & Perseverance Self-Confidence & Identity Love & Family Creativity & Imagination Growing Up Nature & Outdoors Weather & Seasons Family & Siblings

Wonderlit Review

A Very Young Gardener offers a charming and authentic look into the world of a six-year-old named Ashley as she cultivates her own garden throughout the year. Through engaging text and beautiful black-and-white photographs, readers witness Ashley's journey from planting seeds to harvesting vegetables and enjoying her blooming flowers. The book also extends beyond her home garden, showing Ashley exploring native plants in the woods and visiting a botanical garden, broadening the scope of her natural world. The book handles its subject matter with a gentle, observational approach, making it an excellent secular introduction to gardening and the natural cycle of seasons. The emotional arc is one of quiet joy, curiosity, and the satisfaction of nurturing life. It's a heartwarming read that celebrates a child's connection to the earth. This book is specifically for children who show an early interest in nature, plants, or hands-on activities. It's perfect for a child who has expressed a desire to plant something, or for a family looking to connect with the rhythm of the seasons. Parents might reach for this book to inspire outdoor play, introduce basic botany concepts, or simply to share a calming, realistic story about a child's hobby. No specific preparation is needed, as the content is universally gentle and positive. Younger children (4-6) will enjoy the clear photographs and the simple narrative of growth and change, making it a lovely read-aloud. Older children (7-11) can delve deeper into the details of the gardening process, learn about different plants, and be inspired to start their own projects. What sets this book apart from many illustrated gardening books is its use of real photographs featuring a real child, which lends an immediate sense of authenticity and relatability, making Ashley's experiences feel tangible and achievable for young readers.