In My Garden

Ward Schumaker's 'In My Garden' is a delightful concept book designed to introduce and reinforce counting skills for young children. The narrative, if it can be called that, is a simple progression of numbers tied to charming garden imagery. Readers count from one watering can, through various plants and creatures like snails and onions, culminating in larger numbers such as fifty cherry pies and 233 peas. The book handles the concept of counting directly and playfully, making it an accessible tool for early numeracy. The emotional arc is gentle and consistently positive, fostering a sense of wonder and discovery rather than any intense feelings. This book is specifically for children aged 4-8 who are learning to count or who enjoy detailed illustrations with many items to find. A parent would reach for this book when their child is showing an interest in numbers, needs practice with counting, or simply to share a cozy, visually engaging story before bedtime. Parents should preview the book to appreciate the detailed illustrations and be ready to engage in the counting process with their child, perhaps pausing to point out additional items to count on each page. Younger children (4-6) will enjoy the basic counting and identifying objects, while older children (7-8) might be challenged by the larger numbers and enjoy the seek-and-find aspect of counting many small items. Its strength lies in its straightforward approach to counting within a universally appealing garden setting, making it a classic in its genre.