THE GARDEN WE SHARE

A quiet celebration of gardens and loved ones.

In a tidy urban garden, a child with pigtails and their elderly caregiver—both beige-skinned—sow seeds in a raised bed with a diverse group of neighbors. Prose and illustrations are gentle, with a palette of relaxing greens, oranges, browns, and reds prevailing. The line “The cool air turns to a warm breeze, and the sun shines down to feed our souls. And our garden” is paired with negative space and seedlings that dance softly around the text. While young children will certainly learn about the general way plants grow, this tale will also encourage them to embrace relaxation and connect with older relatives or neighbors. The growing process becomes a way for the child to remember their caregiver, who unexpectedly is "gone" when the season turns to fall after a jubilant harvest dinner. The ambiguity of the word gone may prompt unexpected discussion about death in an otherwise mild tale. What sets this one apart from other garden fare is the exploration of the community garden as a space for relaxation and gathering.

Tender as a spring seedling.