Sarah Garland (1) (1944–)

I really liked this book for three reasons. First, I loved the illustrations. Each line of text had a picture to go along with it which made the text enjoyable and easy to follow along with. One example of this is when the text talks about Azzi’s house. There is a clear illustration that helps readers imagine that they are a part of the story themselves. Second, I really loved how the book pushes readers to think about people that might be different from themselves. The book encourages show more readers to be open-minded and accepting of all people, regardless of background. One example of this is when Lucy invited Azzi to jump rope with her. Third, I enjoyed the characters in this book. Azzi is a great character that believably portrays the fear and insecurity involved in coming to a new country. Her emotions were raw and made you feel like you were in her shoes. One example of this is when she was crying for her Grandmother. The big idea of this story is that change can be difficult, but it all works out for the best in the end. show less

This is one of my go-tos for explaining and illustrating herbs, as well as a quick look up of herb and spice facts. The artist illustrations of plants are clear and helpful, matching the life species I'm familiar with. The tone is matter of fact, educational but not boring.. I have not used the recipes, nor many of the practical applications, but the explanations of basic preparations are clear. of interest for the Household herbs and spices including strewing herbs, polishing herb products, show more potpourri & sachets, incense and candlemaking and basic herbal dyes.The herbal cosmetics section has a significant number of recipes and techniques to try. The herbs for health section is mostly traditional, in the "can't hurt, might help" category, with a historical basis. show less

Great book on the immigrant experience for young kids -- simply told, very straightforward, emphasizes challenges and small victories.

Herb gardening from past to present. The book starts by telling about herbal gardens in history, how they featured in monasteries and the private courtyards of wealthy ladies in medieval days, how their style and use changed through the times, ending up to the state of gardening in more modern times. The included illustrations taken from ancient manuscripts and paintings are lovely. Traditional and historical ways the herbs have been incorporated into cooking, used for scents, as dying show more materials or for health are all mentioned, with suggestions and many cautions- as a lot of ancient herbs are highly toxic or their original medicinal use is no longer recommended. Many are named just because they are pretty or have interesting properties- like curiously shaped seeds. There is also information on how to grow the herbs, whether from seed or cuttings, and care for them.

Really though much of the book is about building a garden- how to design and plan it, how to lay paths and construct benches, walls, arbors or a trellis, with many ideas for an attractive or practical arrangement. I garnered some new ideas on what an herbal bed in my own garden could look like (for example, I might do well to separate my perennial herbs that like richer, damp soil- the lemon balm, sorrel and perpetual onions- from those that like it dry and lean- the lavender, sage and winter savory- and mix grit or broken stone into the latter). There’s helpful lists grouping herbs by the soil type they prefer, or sun/shade exposure, by color or height. And more extensive lists by use- herbs for medicines, for dying fabrics, for a scented garden or kitchen use. Many many plants are named that I know little about- with enticing hints at their growing habits and textures. The photos are a tad disappointing- often slightly grainy, not clear enough focus to actually see the individual plants well, though they do give you a good impression how the herbs look together in various garden styles. The twenty-five page glossary lists a bounty of herbs, with useful details on them, but scant pictures.

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