What Grew in Larry's Garden, written by Laura Alary and illustrated by Kass Reich. Kids Can Press, 2020. $19.99 ages 4 and up

"Winter melted away and spring sprouted. One warm afternoon, Grace found Larry on his porch with a pile of papers in his lap. "You wanted to know what my students would do with our plants," he said. "Listen to these letters."

As warmer weather arrives, thoughts turn to gardening and growing. One can only wish that a child wanting to know more about gardening would meet a fine man like Larry, a willing teacher of patience and problem solving.

Grace and Larry live next door to each other. They both have tiny yards. Larry makes use of every inch of his to grow spectacular vegetables. He is a willing teacher when helping Grace learn about the many facets of growing a garden. Faced with any number of problems, they work together to solve them. There is much to learn.

During the winter they prepare for spring by growing their gathered tomato seeds in little cups. They are many. Larry takes them to his classroom for his students to nurture. There is a good reason for doing so; Grace must wait patiently to discover what it is. Larry explains that when spring comes, he encourages each of those students to give back to the community by sharing a tomato plant and a letter explaining why the student chose the recipient. Such a lovely idea.

"Dear Bus Driver, 

I rode on your school bus for years. 
You were always so friendly to all 
the kids. I am giving you this tomato 
plant to say thank you. 

From, 
    Adira"

When a problem with a neighbor arises that seems to have no solution, Grace takes all she has learned from Larry about kindness, giving back, and figuring out how to solve a problem, to proffer a happy ending.

 A gentle story with heart, this book will be enjoyed by many. The artist used 'gouache paint and colored pencils, with final touches added digitally', to create an explosion of color in this very special garden. The book's inspiration is teacher Larry Zacharko who has helped his troubled students find purpose in doing something for others ... a grand gesture to be sure.  A perfect story to share in these times when we all need to think about others.