Saturdays at Harlem Grown

"Mr. Tony and his student, Nevaeh, plot during the winter months how to bring their community garden in Harlem into bloom with a spring cleanup and planting party. ?e neighborhood shows up—people of all backgrounds, with gardening tools and flowers and seeds and doughnuts for snacking on—to work together and watch their garden grow. ?ey add a small library too, and just as they share their library of books, the group shares their library of knowledge, with members who have expertise in cooking, in raising chickens, in plumbing and carpentry. Hartland’s illustrations burst with color and detail, a visual feast; keen-eyed readers will notice plants growing and changing from scene to scene. ?e daubs of paint and visible brushstrokes give the art a tactile feel that pairs well with the vibrancy and handson nature of the garden. Children will enjoy the art but also likely enjoy learning that this is based on a true story, that the book is written by Mr. Tony himself, and that there are gardens like these in many cities. Perfect both for a lap-sit to pore over the details and for community-garden or farmers’-market storytimes"