Jennifer S. Larson

This is a great book for helping children to learn about growing vegetables, and it is very approachable because remnants of store-bought herbs and vegetables can be used.

Great instructions, good photographs, and almost nothing to lose if the items don't grow - they are scraps, so you can try it again. And also, you can compare what may have caused the growing process to be successful or a failure.

The only issue I had was that I felt the book was too short, with only a dozen growing show more projects, and I would have liked to have seen more vegetables included.

*eARC Netgalley* show less

Thorough but not overwhelming, this book contains an introduction, four chapters, and back matter (glossary, gardening resources, where to find supplies, index). Each chapter has a few projects/ideas, as well as a couple of recipes (e.g. lemonade, crunchy pumpkin seeds, tropical smoothie, potato leek soup, sweet potato oven fries) that can be made with the plant/food in question. There are plenty of photographs and clear, step-by-step instructions with illustrations. There are also a lot of show more great general garden tips about saving seeds and transplanting seedlings. Overall a great resource! show less

Although I doubt many elementary aged children could attempt the recipes on their own, this book is perfect to take to Grandma’s house and cook with her. The recipes are “do-able” made with items that are easily purchased. I love the Hot Dog people (maybe because it reminds me of some of the fun things in the 1950’s Betty Crocker Cookbook for Children). Illustrations next to the steps help the young cooks keep their place as they cook. Yum, the results should be good.

Jackie Joyner Kersee - Superwoman by Margaret Goldstein & Jennifer Larson
This is a very informative juvenile non-fiction accounting of the life, the goals and the gold that Jackie Joyner Kersee is famous for. Proving that it doesn’t matter where you come from, with desire, dedication and determination, her, her brother and her sister-in-law were able to score in life and in the Olympics as some of the greatest track and field athletes of America. Being named the “First Lady of Sports” show more and “The World’s Greatest Female Athlete” never made her forget her past, she still strives to help kids in similar situations with her foundation. The short chapters and rapid fire of information made this informative and fun to read. Great source of information for anyone interested in the basics about Jackie Joyner and her gold. show less