There are many gardening books for kids, both fiction and nonfiction–particularly picture books. It’s harder to find books for the older grades. So with this short list, I’ve put together a few books that take you from toddler to the end of middle school. They are terrific resources for families and school garden programs. Feel free to add other fiction titles to the comment section. Enjoy!
Picture Books (preschool/kinder – grade 3)
The Curious Garden by Peter Brown
One boy’s quest for a greener world… one garden at a time.
While out exploring one day, a little boy named Liam discovers a struggling garden and decides to take care of it.
An enchanting tale with environmental themes and breathtaking illustrations that become more vibrant as the garden blooms.
Secrets of the Garden by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld
Alice’s family plants a vegetable garden each spring, and the budding naturalist reports all she sees. It’s the food chain, right in her own backyard!
Alice’s narrative is simple and engaging while science concepts are presented in more depth in sidebars.
Priscilla Lamont’s funny, friendly paintings make this a garden everyone will want to explore.
Early Readers
A Green Green Garden Mercer Meyer
Little Critter® and his family plant some vegetables. After lots of watering, weeding, and waiting, they enjoy a delicious meal—all from their green, green garden.
Grades 2 – 5
Show Me the Green by D. S. Venetta
It’s the First Annual Garden Contest sponsored by the local farmer’s market, and Lexi and Jason Williams are determined to win with their entry of organic vegetables.
In a battle against time and the elements, the kids are sidetracked by everything from caterpillars to worms, seeds to harvest. While testing each other’s patience, the siblings marvel at the wealth of discoveries hidden away in their garden. Including, poop. Worm poop, mostly. Who knew a garden could be so much fun?
Grades 5 – 8
Treasure (Seed Savers, 1) by S. Smith
In a future where growing your own food is against the law, three young friends risk their safety by studying the illegal subject of gardening.
The children’s mentor entices the children with her description of the food she knew as a child–food unlike the square, processed, packaged food they have always known.
Constantly watching, however, is GRIM, the government agency that controls the nation’s food and keeps in check all potential troublemakers.Will the children succeed in their quest to learn about gardening, and find a place of food freedom? And can they, only children, help change the world?
