From the months of February to April, we begin planning our garden and starting our seeds. Gardening has become a favorite homeschool science curriculum in our family. As part of this learning, we love to read good, living books that teach valuable lessons. Choosing wonderful gardening books for preschoolers is a great way to begin introducing gardening to young minds, while also teaching core values they will carry with them throughout their lives.
How we use gardening in our homeschool
Reading all the children’s books about gardening is just the beginning of our learning. Our kids also love to actively participate in the planting, watering, and documenting of the growth of the seeds. After the last frost date, our kids also help us prepare our garden area, dig holes, and transfer the plants. Not only is it a wonderful family activity that we all cherish, but also it is full of teachable moments that introduce countless life skills.
Combining these favorite books and the hands-on activities makes for a comprehensive learning experience for young preschoolers. They absolutely love getting to grow their own garden of beautiful flowers or yummy fruits and vegetables!
Pick up a few of these favorite gardening books for your little gardener and get started today!
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Our Top 5 Favorite Picture Books About Gardening
These are our family’s favorite gardening books for preschoolers! Of course, we love them all, but our top 5 gardening books for preschoolers include:
We are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines
“We Are the Gardeners” by Joanna Gaines is a personal favorite that explores the lessons learned from the Gaines family’s journey into gardening. This is one of our must read gardening books for preschoolers. After all, it is not just about gardening; it’s about perseverance, teamwork, and the beauty of watching something grow. With beautiful illustrations and engaging storytelling, it inspires young readers to explore the wonders of the natural world together.
The Gardener by Sarah Stewart
“The Gardener” is a Caldecott Honor Book that tells the story of the main character, Lydia Grace Finch. Lydia Grace is a young girl who brings beauty and joy to the lives of her family during the difficult times of the Great Depression. Through letters to her family, Lydia Grace shares her experiences of moving to the city to live with her uncle. Unfortunately, her uncle is a gruff baker who seems to have little room in his life for flowers or joy. Despite this, Lydia Grace’s passion for gardening blossoms in the urban environment. And, she creatively finds spaces to plant and nurture her flowers, including window boxes, empty lots, and even a secret garden on the bakery’s rooftop. Throughout the story, she gradually transforms not only the bakery and its surroundings, but also the hearts of those around her, including her uncle.
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner
“Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt” is a wonderful book about the bustling world beneath our feet and the nurturing growth above ground. Through the seasons, we follow a young girl and her grandmother as they work in their garden. While working, they witness the life cycle of plants and the hidden ecosystem of creatures that make a garden thrive. This story beautifully illustrates the interconnectedness of nature, the hard work involved in gardening, and the joy of growing food together. It’s a perfect read for homeschooling families looking to inspire a love of gardening, nature, and the environment in their children.
Celia Planted a Garden by Phyllis Root and Gary D. Schmidt
“Celia Planted a Garden” is a heartfelt story that follows the journey of Celia, a young girl with a passion for gardening. Inspired by her grandmother’s love for plants and flowers, Celia decides to create her own garden. With determination and the help of her family, she learns about the different types of plants, the care they need, and the joy of watching them grow. This charming book not only introduces children to the basics of gardening, but also teaches valuable lessons about patience, responsibility, and the beauty of nature.
Eddie’s Garden by Sarah Garland
“Eddie’s Garden” is a fun book that celebrates the wonders of gardening and the joys of growing your own food. In this story, a little boy named Eddie decides to start his own garden. He, his mom, and sister go through all the steps together, from planning and planting to watering and weeding. As the garden grows, Eddie learns about the patience and care needed to nurture plants. The book beautifully illustrates the cycle of life in a garden, the excitement of watching seeds sprout, and the satisfaction of harvesting the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor. This story not only teaches children about gardening but also the values of hard work and perseverance.
More Favorite Gardening Books for Preschoolers
Check out even more favorite gardening books for preschoolers! These are all perfect books to read as you are preparing to plant your own garden.
How Does My Garden Grow? by Gerda Muller
“How Does My Garden Grow?” is a beautifully illustrated book that invites readers, especially young children, into the world of gardening. Through the eyes of Sophie, a little girl who visits her grandparents in the countryside, readers are introduced to the process of gardening. Throughout her stay, Sophie learns how to prepare soil, sow seeds, and plant various types of vegetables. She also learns the importance of caring for them by watering, weeding, and observing the growth stages. The book not only provides practical gardening tips, but also emphasizes the joy and satisfaction that comes from growing one’s own food. It’s a sweet book that encourages children and their families to explore the magic of gardening.
Little Seeds of Promise by Sana Rafi and Renia Metallinou
“Little Seeds of Promise” is an inspirational story that serves as a lovely story for homeschooling families. It tells the tale of a young child navigating the challenges and joys of growing up. The book weaves together themes of hope, resilience, and the beauty of achieving one’s dreams. Through engaging storytelling, “Little Seeds of Promise” encourages readers to plant their own seeds of promise and watch them grow into something beautiful. This book is an excellent tool for teaching children about the values of hard work and patience.
Flower Garden by Eve Bunting
“Flower Garden” is a heartwarming picture book that celebrates the joy of creating something beautiful together. The story follows a young girl and her father as they embark on a project to create a window box garden as a birthday surprise for her mother. The book highlights themes of love, family, and the simple pleasures of life. Through their efforts, the girl and her father not only bring a piece of the outdoors into their home, but also spread joy to their loved ones.
A Seed is Sleepy by Diana Aston
“A Seed is Sleepy” is an enchanting picture book that explores the wondrous world of seeds. It takes the reader on a journey of a seed, beginning from its dormant state, through the process of germination, to its growth into a mature plant. This beautifully illustrated book educates and inspires, revealing the incredible potential and diversity of seeds. It’s a cute book that highlights the various sizes, shapes, and colors of seeds, their different habitats, and the vital role they play in nature. Perfect for homeschooling, it offers inspiration for lessons on botany, life cycles, and the environment.
In a Garden by Tim McCanna
“In a Garden” is a simple book that takes readers through the cycle of seasons in a garden. Through vibrant illustrations and rhythmic language, McCanna explores the growth, change, and renewal that occurs in a garden over time. From the planting of seeds to the life that thrives among the flowers and vegetables, the book captures the magic and wonder of nature. It’s a celebration of gardening, the beauty of nature, and the joy of watching things grow. The story is not only educational, teaching young readers about the basics of gardening and the ecosystem, but it also encourages appreciation for the environment and the importance of nurturing and caring for living things.
Kitty the Cat Plants a Flower Garden by Adele Woodward
“Kitty the Cat Plants a Flower Garden” follows the adventures of Kitty, a curious and determined cat. Inspired by a desire to create her own oasis, Kitty embarks on a journey to plant a flower garden. Along the way, she learns about the different types of flowers, the importance of patience in growing a garden, and the joy that comes from nurturing life. This heartwarming story not only introduces children to the basics of gardening, but also teaches valuable lessons about responsibility, perseverance, and the rewards of hard work. Perfect for homeschooling families, this book offers an engaging way to explore nature, science, and the wonders of gardening together.
The Curious Garden by Peter Brown
“The Curious Garden” follows Liam, a young boy living in a drab city devoid of any greenery. One day, while exploring the forgotten, desolate railway tracks, Liam stumbles upon a struggling garden. With curiosity and determination, he decides to nurture it. Over time, Liam’s care helps the garden flourish, spreading vibrant colors and life throughout the city.
If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson
“If You Plant a Seed” by Kadir Nelson is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that delivers a powerful message about the benefits of kindness and generosity. The story begins with a rabbit and a mouse who decide to plant some seeds. As their plants begin to grow, a variety of birds come by, interested in the fruits of their labor. Initially, the rabbit and mouse react with selfishness, leading to chaos. However, when they decide to share their harvest with the birds, their small act of kindness is returned tenfold, leading to a bountiful garden and new friendships. Through simple storytelling, Nelson conveys that the seeds of kindness we plant can grow into something beautiful for everyone.
Lola Plants a Garden by Anna McQuinn
“Lola Plants a Garden” is a beloved book that follows book-loving Lola as she embarks on a journey to create her very own garden. Inspired by a collection of garden poems she reads with her mom, Lola decides she wants to plant flowers, too. With her mom’s help, she picks out the perfect seeds, plants them, and patiently waits for them to grow. The book perfectly captures the excitement and joy of planning and watching a garden come to life. As Lola’s garden blooms, so does her understanding of nature’s beauty. This story is not only about the joys of gardening but also how sharing this experience can bring people together.
The Reason for a Flower by Ruth Heller
“The Reason for a Flower” by Ruth Heller is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that explores the purpose and function of flowers in nature. Through vibrant illustrations and engaging rhymes, Heller educates young readers about the science of plants, focusing on how flowers reproduce. The book explains the role of flowers in producing seeds, the importance of pollinators like bees and birds in helping flowers to reproduce, and how seeds grow into new plants.
Compost Stew by Mary McKenna Siddals
“Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth” is an engaging and educational picture book that introduces children to the concept of composting in a fun and accessible way. Through vibrant illustrations and rhyming text, this lovely story takes readers on a journey through the alphabet. It highlights different materials that can be added to a compost pile, from apple cores to zinnia heads.
Let’s Get Gardening by DK
“Let’s Get Gardening” by DK is a vibrant, comprehensive guide that invites children and parents alike into the rewarding world of gardening. This book is a treasure trove of information, offering easy-to-understand tips and tricks for growing a variety of plants, vegetables, and flowers. With its engaging, kid-friendly language, it breaks down the gardening process into manageable steps. It is one of the most ideal non-fiction books for preschoolers and for homeschooling families looking to incorporate practical, hands-on learning about nature and science. From understanding the basics of soil and seeds to exploring the joys of harvesting their own produce, readers will find endless inspiration to get their hands dirty and cultivate their green thumbs. This book not only educates but also encourages spending quality family time outdoors, making it a perfect addition to any homeschooling curriculum focused on fostering a love for the environment and sustainable living.
Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert
“Planting a Rainbow” by Lois Ehlert is a colorful picture book that takes young readers through the process of growing a flower garden. The story begins with a mother and child planting a variety of flower bulbs in the fall. As the seasons change, they watch them grow and see them bloom into a rainbow of colors in the spring. Through simple vocabulary and bright, bold illustrations, the book teaches children about the different stages of gardening. It’s an excellent resource for homeschooling parents looking to introduce their children to the wonders of nature, gardening, and the beautiful diversity of the plant world. Perfect for spring-themed lesson plans or any time you want to add some color and joy to your homeschooling day!
Plant, Sow, Make and Grow by Esther Coombs
“Plant, Sow, Make & Grow” is an educational book that brings the world of gardening into the hands of children and their families. With a focus on “mud-tastic” activities, the book serves as a simple guide to starting a small garden project at home. Through easy-to-follow instructions, readers are introduced to the basics of planting seeds, nurturing plants, and enjoying the fruits of their labor. Beyond just gardening, it also incorporates fun facts and eco-friendly tips. This book is a great addition for homeschooling families looking to incorporate practical, hands-on science lessons and promote environmental awareness.
And Then It’s Spring by Julie Fogliano
“And Then It’s Spring” is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that captures the hopeful feeling of waiting for spring. It follows a young boy and his dog as they plant seeds in the barren earth. The story is one of the most gentle gardening books for preschoolers about the transformation that comes with the changing seasons. The story is a heartwarming reminder of the rewards that come from waiting and the beauty of nature’s cycles.
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