by Alexina Cather

All Four Stars

Author: Tara Dairman

Year: 2014

From the publisher: “Gladys Gatsby has been cooking gourmet dishes since the age of seven, only her fast-food-loving parents have no idea! Now she’s eleven, and after a crème brûlée accident (just a small fire), Gladys is cut off from the kitchen (and her allowance). She’s devastated, but soon finds just the right opportunity to pay her parents back when she’s mistakenly contacted to write a restaurant review for one of the largest newspapers in the world. But to meet her deadline and keep her dream job, Gladys must cook her way into the heart of her sixth-grade archenemy and sneak into New York City—all while keeping her identity a secret. Easy as pie, right?”

Website: https://taradairman.com/books/

Where to purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Penguin Random House

Cost (on Amazon): $7.99

Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth

Author: Mary McKenna Siddals

Year: 2010

From the publisher: “From apple cores to zinnia heads, readers will discover the best ingredients for a successful compost pile! Kids everywhere are knowledgeable about the environment and climate change. Not only is composting becoming more common in households and residential gardens, but many school gardens feature compost piles, too. But how do you start a compost pile? What’s safe to include? Perfect for an Earth Day focus or year-round reference, this inviting book provides all the answers for kids and families looking for simple, child-friendly ways to help the planet.”

Website: http://www.siddals.com/compost-stew.html

Where to purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Penguin Random House

Cost (on Amazon): $6.68

Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table

Author: Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Year: 2013

From the publisher: “Will Allen is no ordinary farmer. A former basketball star, he’s as tall as his truck, and he can hold a cabbage–or a basketball–in one hand. But what is most special about Farmer Will is that he can see what others can’t see. When he looked at an abandoned city lot in Milwaukee he saw a huge table, big enough to feed the whole world.

No space, no problem. Poor soil, there’s a solution. Need help, found it. Farmer Will is a genius in solving problems. In 2008, the MacArthur Foundation named him one for his innovative urban farming methods, which include aquaponics and hydroponics.”

Website: http://www.jacquelinebriggsmartin.com/books/farmerwillallen.html

Where to purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble

Cost (on Amazon): $8.42

Farmers’ Market Day

Author: Shanda Trent

Year: 2013

From the publisher: “It’s Farmers’ Market Day! Follow an enthusiastic (and slightly clumsy) little girl as she searches for the perfect treat. She’ll discover forests of broccoli trees and rainbows of flowers, taste freshly baked breads and pies, cuddle a kitten, and make a bit of a mess! But will she find her prize?”

Website: http://www.shandatrent.com/farmers-market-day/

Where to purchase: Amazon

Cost (on Amazon): $10.50

First Peas to the Table: How Thomas Jefferson Inspired a School Garden

Author: Susan Grigsby

Year: 2012

From the publisher: “Maya loves contests, so she is excited when her teacher announces they will plant a school garden like Thomas Jefferson’s garden at Monticello—and they’ll have a “First Peas to the Table” contest, just like Jefferson and his neighbors had each spring. Maya plants her pea seeds with a secret head start—found in Jefferson’s Garden Book—and keeps careful notes in her garden journal. But her friend Shakayla has plans of her own for the contest.”

Website: http://www.albertwhitman.com/book/first-peas-to-the-table/

Where to purchase: Albert Whitman, Amazon,

Cost (on Amazon): $14.44

The Good Garden: How One Family Went from Hunger to Having Enough

Author: Katie Smith Milway

Year: 2010

From the publisher: “From the best-selling author of One Hen comes the inspiring story of one struggling farming family in Honduras and their journey to growing enough food to meet their needs. Based on the real story of farm transformation underway in Honduras and many other countries, this book offers children ways they can be part of the movement to grow “good gardens” and foster food security.

Eleven-year-old María Luz and her family live on a small farm. This year their crop is poor, and they may not have enough to eat or to sell for other essentials, such as health care, school uniforms and books.

When María’s father must leave home to find work, she is left in charge of their garden. Then a new teacher comes to María’s school and introduces her to sustainable farming practices that yield good crops. As María begins to use the same methods at home, she too sees improvements, which allow her family to edge their way out of the grip of the greedy coyotes — the middlemen who make profits on the backs of poor farmers. Little by little, the farms — and the hopes — of María and her neighbors are transformed as good gardens begin to grow.”

Website: http://www.thegoodgarden.org

Where to purchase: Amazon

Cost (on Amazon): $16.26

Grow Your Own!

Author: Esther Hall

Year: 2011

From the publisher: “Sidney and his mum live a busy life in a busy city. Dinner time is announced by the PING of the microwave, comes out of piping-hot boxes, and is eaten off knees. The closest Sidney ever comes to a vegetable is the mushroom on his pizza . . . and he usually picks that off. But when Sidney goes to visit Granny in the countryside, eating his greens suddenly gets a whole lot more interesting!”

Website: https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/esther-hall/grow-your-own!

Where to purchase: Amazon, Pan Macmillan

Cost (on Amazon): $9.99

How Did That Get in My Lunchbox?

Author: Christine Butterworth

Year: 2013

From the publisher: “One of the best parts of a young child’s day is opening a lunchbox and diving in. But how did that delicious food get there? From planting wheat to mixing dough, climbing trees to machine-squeezing fruit, picking cocoa pods to stirring a vat of melted bliss, here is a clear, engaging look at the steps involved in producing some common foods. Health tips and a peek at basic food groups complete the menu.”

Website: http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/209357/how-did-that-get-in-my-lunchbox-by-chris-butterworth/9780763665036/

Where to purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Penguin Random House

Cost (on Amazon): $4.92

In the Garden With Dr. Carver

Author: Susan Grigsby

Year: 2010

From the publisher: “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.”

Website: http://www.susangrigsby.com/books.html

Where to purchase: Albert Whitman, Amazon

Cost (on Amazon): $14.32

Molly’s Organic Farm

Author: Carol L. Malnor

Year: 2012

From the publisher: “Whoosh . . . the wind blows open a creaky gate. Inquisitive and mischievous, a homeless little cat scampers through—and suddenly finds herself in the wondrous world of an organic farm! Affectionately named “Molly” by the farmers who discover her, she romps, naps, and hunts among the vegetables. Seen through Molly’s eyes, the reader discovers the interplay of nature that grows wholesome food. But what will happen to Molly when winter comes? Based on a true story, Molly will touch children’s hearts while introducing them to plants and the key elements of growing food organically. Standards-based science concepts and activities at the end of the book expand the message of the story.”

Website: https://dawnpub.com/our-books/mollys-organic-farm/

Where to purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Dawn Publications

Cost (on Amazon): $8.95

My Foodie ABC: A Little Gourmet’s Guide

Author: Puck

Year: 2010

From the publisher: “A delightful educational tool that stresses the importance of having a healthy relationship with food, this board book teaches the letters of the alphabet to tots and other gastronomes in training. Stylish and dazzling illustrations that highlight terms such as Kobe beef, pomegranate, ice cream, and farmer’s market pair with fun foodie facts to make learning the alphabet easy and enriching. A complete introduction to the alphabet and gastronomical terms, this unique book also includes a pronunciation guide, making it an ideal companion for food aficionados.”

Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Foodie-ABC-A-Little-Gourmets-Guide/403764963045086

Where to purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble

Cost (on Amazon): $8.95

My Mom Eats Tofu

Author: Robin Ringgold

Year: 2009

From the publisher: “Mom and daughter (Summer) are back again! This time Summer reveals more of Mom s green ways planting seeds, eating organic, composting and more in an effort to forewarn her friend before she spends the night. Children are exposed to new foods and concepts and the book s glossary provides a great learning tool! The first book in this series is My Mom Hugs Trees.”

Website: https://www.amazon.com/Mom-Eats-Tofu-Robyn-Ringgold/dp/0978532627

Where to purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble

Cost (on Amazon): $12.95

One Hen: How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference

Author: Katie Smith Milway and Eugenie Fernandes

Year: 2008

From the publisher: “Inspired by true events, One Hen tells the story of Kojo, a boy from Ghana who turns a small loan into a thriving farm and a livelihood for many.

After his father died, Kojo had to quit school to help his mother collect firewood to sell at the market. When his mother receives a loan from some village families, she gives a little money to her son. With this tiny loan, Kojo buys a hen.

A year later, Kojo has built up a flock of 25 hens. With his earnings Kojo is able to return to school. Soon Kojo’s farm grows to become the largest in the region.

Kojo’s story is inspired by the life of Kwabena Darko, who as a boy started a tiny poultry farm just like Kojo’s, which later grew to be the largest in Ghana, and one of the largest in west Africa. Kwabena also started a trust that gives out small loans to people who cannot get a loan from a bank.

One Hen shows what happens when a little help makes a big difference. The final pages of One Hen explain the microloan system and include a list of relevant organizations for children to explore.

One Hen is part of CitizenKid: A collection of books that inform children about the world and inspire them to be better global citizens.”

Website: https://www.onehen.org/page/the-book.html

Where to purchase: Amazon

Cost (on Amazon): $13.26

Our School Garden

Author: Rick Swann

Year: 2012

From the publisher: “New city. New school. Michael is feeling all alone—until he discovers the school garden! There’s so many ways to learn, and so much work to do. Taste a leaf? Mmm, nice and tangy hot. Dig for bugs? “Roly-poly!” he yells. But the garden is much more than activities outdoors: making school garden stone soup, writing Found Poems and solving garden riddles, getting involved in community projects such as Harvest Day, food bank donations, and spring plant sales. Each season creates a new way to learn, explore and make friends.

School librarian and gardener Rick Swann, in his picture book debut, describes the wonder of connecting with nature and the joy of growing and eating one’s own harvest. Award-winning artist Christy Hale (Dreaming Up, Elizabeti’s Doll series) captures the brilliant color of the season and the harvest. This is the perfect book to read alone, as well as share in the classroom or with the entire family.”

Website: https://rickswann.com/our-school-garden/

Where to purchase: Amazon,

Cost (on Amazon): $16.11

Seeds of Change: Wangari’s Gift to the World

Author: Jen Cullerton Johnson

Year: 2010

From the publisher: “As a young girl in Kenya, Wangari was taught to respect nature. She grew up loving the land, plants, and animals that surrounded her—from the giant mugumo trees her people, the Kikuyu, revered to the tiny tadpoles that swam in the river.

Although most Kenyan girls were not educated, Wangari, curious and hardworking, was allowed to go to school. There, her mind sprouted like a seed. She excelled at science and went on to study in the United States. After returning home, Wangari blazed a trail across Kenya, using her knowledge and compassion to promote the rights of her countrywomen and to help save the land, one tree at a time.

Seeds of Change: Planting a Path to Peace brings to life the empowering story of Wangari Maathai, the first African woman, and environmentalist, to win a Nobel Peace Prize. Engaging narrative and vibrant images paint a robust portrait of this inspiring champion of the land and of women’s rights.”

Website: http://jencullertonjohnson.com/seeds-of-change/

Where to purchase: Amazon, Lee & Low Books

Cost (on Amazon): $15.45

Sylvia’s Spinach

Author: Katherine Pryor

Year: 2012

From the publisher: “Sylvia Spivens always says no to spinach. But one day Sylvia’s teacher gives her a packet of spinach seeds to plant for the school garden. Overcoming her initial reluctance and giving the seeds a little love and patience, Sylvia discovers the joy of growing food and the pleasure of tasting something new.

Parents will identify with the challenge of feeding healthy food to a picky eater during family dinner. Educators will understand the magic and rewards of school gardens. Best of all, young readers will celebrate Sylvia’s strong will, curiosity, and, maybe, her love of spinach.”

Website: http://www.katherinepryor.com/sylvia-s-spinach.html

Where to purchase: Amazon

Cost (on Amazon): $15.06

The Garden of Happiness

Author: Erika Tamar

Year: 1996

From the publisher: “A littered lot in New York’s Alphabet City is transformed into a lush garden by people of the neighborhood. Young Marisol finds a small patch of her own, where she plants a large, flat seed. As it grows up and up, it surprises everyone and becomes the most special plant in the Garden of Happiness. “A book with the welcome message that beauty can be everywhere.”—Booklist

Website: https://www.amazon.com/Garden-Happiness-Erika-Tamar/dp/0152305823

Where to purchase: Amazon, Publishers Weekly

Cost (on Amazon): $16.14

The Mangrove Tree: Planting Trees to Feed Families

Author: Susan L. Roth & Cindy Trumbore

Year: 2011

From the publisher: “For a long time, the people of Hargigo, a village in the tiny African country of Eritrea, were living without enough food for themselves and their animals. The families were hungry, and their goats and sheep were hungry too. Then along came a scientist, Dr. Gordon Sato, who helped change their lives for the better. And it all started with some special trees.

These are the trees,
Mangrove trees,
That were planted by the sea.

With alternating verse and prose passages, The Mangrove Tree invites readers to discover how Dr. Sato’s mangrove tree-planting project transformed an impoverished village into a self-sufficient community. This fascinating story is a celebration of creativity, hard work—and all those mangrove trees that were planted by the sea!”

Website: http://www.susanlroth.com/mangrove-tree.htm

Where to purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Lee & Low Books

Cost (on Amazon): $16.95

The Omnivore’s Dilemma: Young Reader’s Edition

Author: Michael Pollan

Year: 2015

From the publisher: ““What’s for dinner?” seemed like a simple question—until journalist and supermarket detective Michael Pollan delved behind the scenes. From fast food and big organic to small farms and old-fashioned hunting and gathering, this young readers’ adaptation of Pollan’s famous food-chain exploration encourages kids to consider the personal and global health implications of their food choices.

In a smart, compelling format with updated facts, plenty of photos, graphs, and visuals, as well as a new afterword and backmatter, The Omnivore’s Dilemma serves up a bold message to the generation that needs it most: It’s time to take charge of our national eating habits—and it starts with you.”

Website: http://michaelpollan.com/books/the-omnivores-dilemma-young-readers-edition/

Where to purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble

Cost (on Amazon): $18.73

To Market, To Market

Author: Nikki McClure

Year: 2011

From the publisher: “Known for art that celebrates the virtues of community, hard work, and living gently on the planet, Nikki McClure here explores a topic close to her heart: the farmers market. Alternating between story and fact, this lovingly crafted picture book follows a mother and son to the weekly market. As they check off items on their shopping list, the reader learns how each particular food was grown or produced, from its earliest stages to how it ended up at the market. To Market, to Market is a timely book that shines awareness on the skill that goes into making good food.”

Website: https://www.amazon.com/Market-Nikki-McClure/dp/081099738X

Where to purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Buy Olympia, Powell’s

Cost (on Amazon): $16.55

 

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