  | Jayden's impossible garden Author: Mangal, Melina | |
| Price: $21.88 | ||
Summary:
Nine-year-old Jayden loves the outdoors, but his mother is nervous about him playing in their neighborhood. With the help of his neighbor Mr. Curtis, can Jayden help Mama see that nature and beauty are all around?
| Illustrator: | Daley, Ken |
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: LG Reading Level: 3.30 Points: .5 Quiz: 522160 |
Reviews:
Booklist (+) (03/01/21)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 03/01/2021 *Starred Review* Jayden loves nature; however, there aren’t many places to explore near his apartment in the city, a fact of which his mother often reminds him. But that doesn’t stop the boy from observing the urban birds and squirrels and collecting acorns. One day, Jayden bonds with his wheelchair-using neighbor, Mr. Curtis, who loves nature as much as Jayden does, and they begin transforming part of the apartment building’s lawn into a garden. Mr. Curtis shows Jayden how to reuse materials, like empty coffee cans and milk cartons, as planters, and soon the entire neighborhood is abuzz with butterflies and hummingbirds visiting the garden. Daley’s soft pastel illustrations utilize vibrance and interesting perspectives to show the varied life that finds its way into cities, as well as a sweet intergenerational friendship. It is also refreshing to see the two Black male characters portrayed in roles other than athletes or mischievous siblings, common defaults in children’s literature. Kids will fall in love with the idea that they can build a garden wherever they reside, and they’ll get assistance from the book’s back matter, which provides instructions for making recycled garden crafts, such as a birdfeeder. With an abundance of STEAM connections and wonderful character representation, this is a fantastic pick for Earth Day and beyond. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.
