How Groundhog’s Garden Grew, written and illustrated by Lynne Cherry, is a wonderful book about gardening, and we are thankful we received this gift from our midwife! The story begins with Groundhog stealing food from his friend’s garden, which of course leads to trouble. His friend Squirrel steps in to help teach Groundhog how to grow his own garden. Squirrel teaches him how to cut potatoes for planting, find seeds, space plants, etc. By the end of the book, Groundhog’s garden is bountiful, and he celebrates with a feast with all his friends.

Lynne Cherry’s illustrations are detailed and realistic, something that is often missing from children’s books that try to create cutesy animals to entertain children. How Groundhog’s Garden Grew is also full of very useful information about gardening, and as one reviewer wrote, “It would be impossible for a child to hear this story and not learn something of vital importance, about everything from the complicated interdependence of the natural world to the simple effectiveness of composting and going pesticide-free. Parents be forewarned: It’s also probably impossible to read How Groundhog’s Garden Grew and not have your child want to plant a garden.” How Groundhog’s Garden Grew leaves the readers feeling good and learning important lessons about community participation and sharing, as well as gardening!

Check out other Lynne Cherry’s books for your children too! She is great author and illustrator! We have previously reviewed one of her other books The Great Kapok Tree.