Vegetable Gardening (revised)
Vegetable gardens are a great way to encourage children to eat healthy foods. For those without gardens or yards, they can grow herbs (like parsley or chives) in pots. See if there is a local urban or community garden who can visit storytime to promote their work and find new families to participate. For a craft activity, have children plant seeds in paper cups or eggshells to take home. Herbs work well for this activity: www.nuttinbutpreschool.com/hands-on-preschool-spring-science-egg-shell-herb-gardens/ .
Brett, Jan. The Turnip. Lush paintings illustrate this retelling of a classic folktale, where various residents of the farm try to pull up an enormous turnip.
Cousins, Lucy. Maisy Grows a Garden. A little white mouse grows a garden.
French, Vivian. Oliver’s Vegetables. Oliver won’t eat vegetables until his grandfather coaxes him to choose plants from his backyard garden.
Hall, Zoe. The Surprise Garden. A mix of unnamed seeds turns into an incredible vegetable garden.
Krauss, Ruth. The Carrot Seed. In this classic picture book, a little boy grows a giant carrot, even though his family members discourage him.
Lin, Grace. The Ugly Vegetables. A celebration of traditional Chinese vegetables.
Nikola-Lisa, W. Summer Sun Risin’. An African American family farm is celebrated in this rhyming tale.
Page, Stefan. We’re Going to the Farmers’ Market. In this rhyming board book, children will discover the many vegetables available at the Farmers’ Market.
Pryor, Katherine. Sylvia’s Spinach. Sylvia hates spinach until she grows it in her own garden.
Pryor, Katherine. Zora’s Zucchini. Zora grows so many zucchini that she starts a garden sharing program in her neighborhood.
Sayre, April Pulley. Rah, Rah, Radishes! A Vegetable Chant. Illustrated with color photos, this rhyming chant introduces children to a wide variety of vegetables.