“Bridgewater spotlights the positive power of greenery in this children’s debut. As young Marcus’s grandmother offers upbeat instruction in gardening basics, the pair draw parallels between human and plant needs. . . . Working with mangoes, tomatoes, pineapples, and cilantro, the duo model attentiveness to nature, with Grandma observing that ‘plants grow better when you show them love.’ Dialogue-driven lines frequently convey an exuberant tone . . . while Brown’s texturized digital artwork centers Marcus’s evident glee as a budding gardener, amplifying the story’s message of nurturing curiosity and supporting growth across species.” —Publishers Weekly
“[Bridgewater] tells the story of a curious Black child who discovers ‘a playground for nature.’ . . . Before Marcus can even take off his bright red helmet, he’s caught up in the garden that Grandma cares for. . . . Mango seeds, tomato seedlings, and squirming worms comprise a delicate ecosystem that Marcus is eager to learn more about. Grandma clearly draws connections between plant and human growth as she patiently explains that both children and seedlings need ‘water and air and sunshine. And space to grow.’ Vibrant details, such as Grandma’s curly hair and large, round, red glasses, enhance a green space already packed with diverse life ranging from a prickly pineapple plant to a small snail. . . . As the story transitions from the garden to the kitchen, its themes of nourishment and care remain potent, supported well by an author’s note that dedicates the book to Bridgewater’s grandmother and the invaluable lessons she espoused. A simple yet effective introduction to green spaces for young readers.” —Kirkus Reviews
“A Black boy named Marcus joins Grandma in her garden, where she claims that ‘there’s a whole world to explore.’ As she patiently answers his questions about the plants and their caretaking, he makes sense of how the garden works by comparing it to himself. . . . Grandma also counters his negative assumptions about the garden—while Marcus expresses dismay at the presence of worms, Grandma lets him know that they’re good for the soil, and he apologizes to a damaged tomato he calls gross: ‘You’re so delicious, even the birds wanted a bite of you!’ The two make a delectable salsa and thank the garden and all of the things that go into it for their food. Digital art depicts happy, sunny skies, vibrant colors of the garden’s produce, and interestingly varied textures of hammock rope, clouds, grass, rock, and dirt. . . . Narrator Marcus’ way of understanding his grandmother by relating her garden to things he does understand offers viewers a framework to make sense of and better appreciate the beauty in the world around them. . . . Offers a consistently positive look at an activity that is a mystery to most kids.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
