"The houses are dressed in cheery lights.
The leafless trees are stark and dark.
The cars roll by in slushy rumbles.
The shops are warm and full and bright
and smell like cinnamon and apples."
Snow doesn't stop this family from having a garden. When it is too cold to plant one outside, Mama plants it in their apartment. The windowsill holds the plant pots where sunlight will find its way to encourage growth.
With help from our child narrator the seeds are planted, labelled, and carefully watched. The child tests the soil for needed moisture, and moves the pots to ensure all the sunlight needed. Getting outside allows the family a chance to visit the winter landscape, and see all the sights and sounds indicative of the season.
At home, the seeds begin to sprout, bringing wonder and excitement. Up and up they grow! It's fun for all to watch that growth and to see what they are becoming. Soon, they are used to help create delicious meals the family. As the seasons begin to change, they head outside on a trip for more seeds, well-chosen by a child who has learned a lot while watching her mama plant a 'wintergarden'. Those seeds provide for growing her spring garden outside.
Artwork created using watercolors, colored pencils and mixed-media helps young readers see the process of growing plants inside. Scenes of warmth and growth inside are contrasted with the cold of the outside winter world. Endnotes give instructions on growing a winter garden, as well as a list for further reading.
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