Growing Together

Spiro’s text rhymes with a bouncy beat. Little garden lovers will enjoy the variety in Escobar’s illustrations. Characters vary widely in terms of age, gender, skin tone, and ability, creating a welcoming community, diverse in people and plants, where everyone’s efforts are valued. Consider this tale a fun springtime read-aloud for older toddlers or preschoolers to kickstart discussions about gardens, the plants we eat, and the importance of working together as a team. A sunny celebration of community, teamwork, and cooperative gardening along with its delectable rewards. — Kirkus Gardening feels like a party in Escobar’s bountiful digital drawings. Figures, depicted with various abilities and skin tones, are consistently all smiles as they literally dance amid the garden’s abundance—a picture of plenty that vibes well with Spiro’s peppy lines. — Publishers Weekly This warm and inviting picture book reimagines gardening not as a solitary pastime but as a joyful act of community. Told in gentle, upbeat rhyming text [with] vibrant illustrations [that] burst with color and detail. This book celebrates togetherness, curiosity, and the simple magic of growing things with others. — Booklist An exceptional portrayal of a community’s commitment to nurturing their garden and one another. — School Library Journal Growing Together is a thoroughly charming picture book celebration of community, teamwork, and gardening by the team of author/storyteller Ruth Spiro and artist/illustrator Paola Escobar. Of special note is the final page listing the plants featured in this thoroughly 'kid friendly' story. Of special interest to young readers with an interest in gardening and a community participation, "Growing Together" is a welcome and prized addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library Gardening themed picture book collections for children ages 4-8. — Midwest Book Review