  | Tiny garden Author: Underwood, Deborah | |
| Price: $23.28 | ||
Summary:
Surrounded by big, showy gardens and dismissive adults on his block, a boy plants a tiny garden and creates a tiny world of tiny leaves and tiny colors that invite tiny visitors tired of the wideness of the world and grateful for a place to call home.
| Illustrator: | Chow, Jax |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (12/01/25)
School Library Journal (04/17/26)
Booklist (03/01/26)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (+) (00/01/26)
The Hornbook (00/01/26)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 03/01/2026 A young boy discovers that good things come in small packages when he plants a tiny garden that brings immense joy. Overwhelmed by the elaborate gardens on his block, Andrew chooses to create a small garden of his own, tending to his patch of soil with patience and care. In time, his efforts are rewarded as vibrant flowers begin to bloom. When a neighbor questions the value of a garden so small, Andrew simply replies, “It’s a tiny garden.” His belief is affirmed when a moth, an earthworm, and a hummingbird find joy in this little haven, revealing that while the garden may seem insignificant to humans, it is perfectly suited for smaller creatures. Poetic line breaks slow the narrative, creating a thoughtful and reflective tone throughout. Playful mixed-media illustrations capture Andrew’s love for nature, with pages that burst with color, energy, and life. Fans of Julie Fogliano and Nicola Davies will rejoice in this simple yet beautiful story that celebrates nature and the importance of appreciating life’s small wonders. - Copyright 2026 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 04/17/2026 PreS-Gr 3—This book walks readers through a story about a little boy named Andrew who is feeling overwhelmed by big expanses of nature and decides to make a tiny garden patch of his own. The story moves at a steady pace, with text that is straightforward and precise. There are also lots of sensory details to pull readers into the book. Some phrases (e.g., "jewel box of a garden") might demand extra explanation for very young children, but it doesn't hamper comprehension of the story. The minimalist watercolor drawings have just the right splash of color, depicting a beautiful wildness; some pages zoom in on the insects and other small creatures that inhabit Andrew's garden. The story and text are sure to inspire young gardeners who want to create a space of their own, especially when the world around them becomes overwhelming. VERDICT A strong narrative and the unique artwork make this a good choice for any picture book collection.—Angela Warsinske - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
