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Written by JaNay Brown-Wood

Illustrated by Olivia Amoah

Kids Can Press

ISBN-10 : 1525308300

ISBN-13 : 9781525308307


This delightfully rhythmic story follows two children as they grow a garden from seeds.

This engaging read-aloud doubles as a child-friendly lesson on what plants need in order to grow. Olivia Amoah’s vivid artwork brings the story to life, particularly on the spreads featuring the refrain (“OH NO!”), where readers can look at the illustrations to try to figure out what went wrong in the garden. The story covers the key elements of what makes a healthy garden, such as soil, sun, bugs, water, mushrooms and worms – and shows how balance is necessary for plants to survive. The back matter includes brief explanations of each of these key elements. This picture book offers excellent life science curriculum connections to the needs of living things, growth and changes in plants and plant life cycles.

Awards & Honors

  • We Are Kid Lit Collective Summer Reading List, Picture Book Selection, 2025
  • California First Partner’s Book Club Selection
  • California Department of Education Recommended List 2022-2026, Cumulative
  • California Department of Education Recommended List 2026
  • California Department of Education Recommended List 2026, PK

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