Comments on: Three gardening books for children

By: Jamie Jobb

Jamie Jobb — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 21:42:52 +0000

Rockwren should know I was never a “hippie” so that’s not an accurate description for what was basically an “organic” primer for children. And I don’t like the word “organic” either … because chemical gardening did not come first! The original gardening was “organic” and “chemical” gardening is the activity that should carry around a burdensome label.

I do appreciate the recognition for this forgotten book, however. When it came out in 1977, it was in a series of three Sierra Club Books for children. One of those was on the Book of the Month Club list (“the Sierra Club Summer Book”) and the other won a National Book Award (“The View from the Oak”). So My Garden Companion went home a pumpkin! Nice for you to savor it these many years later.

All the best, Jamie Jobb
Jamie Jobb´s last [type] ..Three Men Two Acorns

By: Kathy Purdy

Kathy Purdy — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:28:00 +0000

I’m glad you found the review helpful, Andrea. But don’t forget, these books were written for adults, so you don’t need to wait. They just might help you now.

By: Andrea (Heavy Petal)

Andrea (Heavy Petal) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:33:52 +0000

Thanks for the great post! My little one is still a bit young to be gardening with me, but I’ll be buying these for her in a couple of years!

By: Theresa/GardenFreshLiving

Theresa/GardenFreshLiving — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 13:59:42 +0000

Thanks so much for the wonderful book suggestions. I did not have any of these books on my shelf, but plan on getting them ASAP – especially the “Grow It” book. What fun!

Another book that my children and I like for gardening is called: “The Children’s Kitchen Garden” by Georgeanne & Ethel Brennan. It is written as a garden book for an apprentice rather than a “project” book. Each veggie or herb has information such as days to harvest, growth habit, etc. But it also gives information on how that veggie or herb can be used in the kitchen. A nice addition to the information.

By: Layanee

Layanee — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:25:33 +0000

Great suggestions and timely too!

By: Dee/reddirtramblings

Dee/reddirtramblings — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 01:24:42 +0000

I like how you think of children as apprentice gardeners because that’s what they are. They are growing and learning and lucky to have you to guide them.~~Dee

By: Mr. McGregor's Daughter

Mr. McGregor's Daughter — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:23:58 +0000

You’re right about most gardening books for children. These look like a much better alternative.

By: TC

TC — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:19:19 +0000

Ms. Kathy,

I too am a member of GWA and was wondering how I might add their logo image with clickable link to my blog as you have it in your “Affiliations” column. Might I bother you for assistance with this please? Thanks!

By: TC

TC — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:59:42 +0000

I have Good Bug Bad Bug and can vouch for its usefulness for me, an adult gardener. I see no reason why it wouldn’t work for kids too. That is if you have kids that aren’t afraid of bugs.

By: Kathy Purdy

Kathy Purdy — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:41:37 +0000

Thanks, Rockwren. I will have to track those down.