THE SURPRISE GARDEN

As a calendar of plant growth, this book is great. Accurate drawings created from cut-paper collages show each step along the way, from seed to seedling, plant, and fruition. A particular charming chart at the end of the book links seeds to the plants they produce, recognizing that seed identification is as important as plant or vegetable recognition. Children who plant the mysterious seeds carefully track their growth, and then eat a meal of the garden's precious gifts. The surprise may not astonish readers—that seeds grow into plants—but that quibble doesn't detract from the green zing of spring across every page, and a garden population that includes ladybugs, rabbits, spiders, and ants. (Picture book. 4-7)