Uzu, Tonka. Peggy Goes Gardening. Tonka Uzu, Illus. Translated from the Italian by Post Wave Children’s Books. Post Wave, 4/2025. [16]pp. Picture Book. Trade $15.99. 979-8-89509-006-0. GRADES Baby/Toddler–1. ADDITIONAL.
In this simple, sweet translation from original Italian, one or two sentences per page show little Peggy and her cat “helping” Mom to plant, water, weed, and pick in the family garden. “I can do it!” is Peggy’s refrain, as she spills, overpicks, and gets distracted in charmingly recognizable toddler ways. Mom is encouraging, Peggy is delighted, and a final spread of Peggy and the cat basking (and batting a butterfly) in the sunny grass leave the reader with a peaceful acceptance of the joys of toddlerhood that rings true. Expressive watercolor and pencil vignettes invite the reader in with plenty of white space to emphasize a little one’s focus on the tasks at hand. Recommended where simple stories for our littlest readers are sought and a delightful pick for a toddler/preschool garden-themed storytime. Peggy has brown hair and white skin.
Riva Pollard—Sausalito Public Library