Title: In the Garden with Dr. Carver
Author: Susan Grigsby
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company; Sept 1, 2010
Suitable for: 7-9, Grades: 2-4
Theme/Topics: non-fiction, history, biography, botany, science.
Summary: Sally is a young girl living in rural Alabama in the early 1900s, a time when people were struggling to grow food in soil that had been depleted by years of cotton production. One day, Dr. George Washington Carver shows up to help the grownups with their farms and the children with their school garden. He teaches them how to restore the soil and respect the balance of nature. He even prepares a delicious lunch made of plants, including "chicken" made from peanuts. And Sally never forgets the lessons this wise man leaves in her heart and mind. Susan Grigsby's warm story shines new light on an African American scientist who was ahead of his time.
Links to resources:
Why I like this book: Engaging, entertaining and education. I love the watercolor illustrations and the abundant depiction of nature in the story. The illustrations also tell a story of their own that are great for discussions after story time. The story is great to teach children the importance of how we treat and care for nature. It promotes love for science and botany. “Listen to the plants, they will tell you what they need.”
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7 comments:
Love your final quote! This sounds like some sophisticated science told in such a simple way. Love books that teach such a respect for nature and how it provides for us. Lovely choice, Ms Saba.
This sounds like an interesting story. :-)
Saba, love your selection. I love fiction based on history. Sounds like a beautiful story about nature with such a special teacher. Thank you for bringing this book to my attention.
This sounds like such an excellent book -- and good for kids to learn about an African American who contributed so much despite the barriers of his time.
Like Joanna, I love that last quote.
Thank you!
I enjoy learning more about non-fiction picture books. This one is above my son's age level, but will be one to add to our future list. The "chicken" made from peanuts intrigues me.
I've heard of George Washington Carver before. I am going to pick up this book to learn more about him!
I love biography and history stories for kids. It is such a seamless way to teach good information not found in text books. This sounds like a good selection for the perfect picture books page. Thanks for introducing it to us.:)
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