There are few things in this world that compare to fresh fruits and vegetables from your very own garden. The sweetness of corn and peas are second to none, and apples from the backyard orchard take crisp and juicy to a whole new level. Whether your family has been gardening for years or is just starting out, here are a few books that will help young readers cultivate an interest in where their food comes from and develop a stronger connection with the earth.
By Philippe Asseray
New York: Sky Pony Press, 2022. Informational. 63 pages.
This is a great resource for first time gardeners. It includes step by step instructions for making a simple box garden with a trellis. There are pages that discuss soil, seeds, watering, cuttings, and other topics necessary to set you up for success. I found the calendar at the end of the book particularly helpful. It shows which month of the year to plant specific vegetables and flowers.
By Jane Hirschi
North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing, 2023. Informational. 47 pages.
This book highlights 20 projects perfect for children interested in science and nature. It focuses on how to grow plants and encourages eating in a way that includes fresh fruits and vegetables. Children also learn about birds and insects through creative activities reinforcing principles key to life sciences.
By Gail Gibbons
New York: Holiday House, 2024. Informational. 32 pages.
This is a fascinating look into how many of our favorite fruits are grown. From plants to bushes to vines to trees, Gail Gibbons takes us through different fruits and what it takes to cultivate them. She gets specific about the parts of a fruit and introduces new vocabulary words in context with labeled pictures. The processes of harvesting, sorting, washing, packaging and shipping are explained in an easy to understand way. The watercolor illustrations are fresh and inviting.
By Deborah Chancellor
New York: Kane Press, 2024. Informational. 30 pages.
This cute book is part of the Follow My Food series. We go along with Granny Root as she works all year in her orchard. It shows the tasks she performs for each season for many different fruits, including: strawberries, apples, pears, and raspberries. The book closes with a recipe for delicious fruit salad.
By Lisa Voisard
Basel, Switzerland: Helvetiq, 2025. Informational. 123 pages.
This beautifully illustrated book includes more kinds of food than only fruits and vegetables, but I couldn't leave it off the list because of the many varieties it includes and how to eat them. For example, 8 types of mushrooms, a homemade ketchup recipe, and how to grow a pepper at home in a flower pot. This one makes me hungry just reading it!
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