Ten picture books about gardening

This special list of garden-themed books comes straight from our favorite librarian.

A few weeks ago, we got to visit our old neighborhood for a whirlwind 24 hour trip. Highlights included a four hour car ride during which both boys slept and I got to catch up on podcasts, seeing friends at our former local indie bookshop, and spending Friday night dinner with our favorite librarian.

Back in our Iowa days, Miss Victoria (or “Miss ‘Toria” as Theo calls her) worked the children’s circulation desk where one-year-old Theo waddled by and flashed his winning grin. Once Theo charms you into becoming one of his people, the rest is history. You’re a dear friend for life. Over the next two years, we made sure to visit the library when Victoria was on shift so she could hand select books based on Theo’s interests: dinosaurs, dogs, bears, dragons. He is still drawn to those topics to this day, and we still ask Victoria—now via letter or email—for the best recommendations.

Over dinner, I asked if she had any picture book suggestions for a boy who’s fallen in love with gardening, and of course she delivered. Here are ten books about gardening to enjoy while you wait for seeds to grow.

Theo, in the garden with a clothing hanger he uses as his “bow and arrow” to play Robin Hood, since he is not yet allowed to have a “real” archery set.

In no particular order:

Goodnight, Veggies by Diana Murray

How to Help a Pumpkin Grow by Ashley Wolff

Miguel’s Community Garden by Janay Brown-Wood

My Garden by Kevin Henkes

Uncle John’s City Garden by Bernette G. Ford

Insect Detective by Steve Voake

How to Say Hello to a Worm by Kaci Percival

Theo’s Favorites

And Then It’s Spring by Julie Fogliano

Toot & Puddle: How Does Your Garden Grow? by Holly Hobbie

In the Garden: Who’s Been Here? by Lindsay Barrett George

Let’s send a big thank you to Victoria for the fabulous recommendations! Do you have any to add to this list?

P.S. If you love all things gardening, here’s a heads up! I’m sharing monthly-ish garden updates in journal form, along with pictures. A lot has happened since my last installment, so you can expect a garden journal in your inbox soon.

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