"A sunflower has many seeds that
are clustered together around its
round center. Is that a sunflower?
No. Those are mulberries. Mulberries
grow as clusters, but their many seeds
are spread through their berries."
Anyone thinking about gardens these days? We still have lots of snow on the ground; just considering the arrival of spring has people beginning to make plans for what they will grow this year. In schools, I am sure classrooms are busy discussing what should be grown in a school garden.
Miguel's community garden has many plants, and lots of volunteer gardeners. Today's the day to celebrate it with a garden party. He and his dads arrive with tools in hand, a wheelbarrow, and a gathering basket. Miguel is especially interested in finding the sunflowers.
A narrator asks readers to share their knowledge about sunflowers. A double-page description, illustrated with precise detail, gives a clear look at the whole plant. Readers are then invited to help Miguel find one. The text begins with an apricot tree; the similar point is that it is a tall plant. On to artichokes which have petals, green not yellow.
The trip around the garden moves from one plant to another; each has one of the sunflower's attributes. Still, each is slightly different. Learning about the various plants visited is informative and accessible. As Miguel moves forward, he is concerned they will not be able to find what he is looking for in time for the party. Can that be true? You know the answer to that!
Samara Hardy created her colorful garden setting with hand painted ink and watercolor textures in Photoshop. Every double-page spread is inviting and provides background for the search. The final spread shows party guests enjoying a picnic comprised of the many fruits of their labor, followed by a most delicious-looking recipe for a sunflower seed salad. Excellent fare for learning about nature and its bounty.
This is the second book in the Where in A Garden? series, following Amara's Farm (2021).
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