KidsGardening: A Kids' Guide to Messing Around in the Dirt by
Kevin Raftery and Kim Gilbert Raftery, Klutz softcover, 88
pages, $23. There are ideas galore in this great book for kids
three to 10 years old. The reading level is quite advanced
(words such as “nutrients” and “microscopic” will require
explanation to younger children), but the projects are simple
and fun. There is basic soil preparation, seed-starting and
growing information, followed by detailed instructions for
growing vegetables such as lettuce and tomatoes. The approach is
to relate gardening to consumables recognized by children.
Details for growing cucumbers are followed up with instructions
for making pickles, for example, and flower-growing directions
precede simple instructions for drying flowers. Colourful and
instructional illustrations accompany instructions. There's also
horticultural education: the important role worms play in the
garden, for example, is explained in the Wiggly Acres Worm Farm
project. Half a dozen seed packets and