Hi there,

I recently started to review books for NetGalley. One of my interests in cooking is enjoyably sharing my knowledge with the next generations. Time spent in the kitchen with young people creates an opportunity for laughter and creativity.

The first book I want to share with you is about children and gardening. I should have shared it earlier in the planting season, but maybe you can remember it as a birthday present or holiday present that your grandchildren and you can share during the next planting time or when your child or grandchild has become particularly bossy.

Lettuce Help

by S.M.R. Saia

Description

First-grader Gertie Green has the spunk of Junie B. and the literal mind of Amelia Bedelia. This chapter book series for ages 6 to 9 sets funny stories, life lessons, and unexpected resolutions to the problems of growing up against a backdrop of gardening, healthy eating, and a very special grandparent-grandchild relationship. Each book features a different vegetable as a key part of the story and includes growing information for young gardeners. 

When Grandma Trudy doesn’t volunteer to help in the school garden club, Gertie is the only one there who knows EVERYTHING about growing vegetables. She tries to help her friends, but soon they’re calling her a bossy know-it-all. Her best friend Janie says that sometimes you have to just wait and see how things are going to turn out. But how can something turn out all right if it starts out all wrong?

This is the third book in the Gertie in the Garden series.

And this is my review:

“Lettuce Help” by S.M.R. Sala is a charming children’s book that seamlessly blends the themes of gardening and positive behavior. The story follows a young girl named Gertie who is planting a garden at school. Along the way, Gertie learns important lessons about kindness, patience, and responsibility.

One of the things I love about “Lettuce Help” is how it uses the process of gardening to teach valuable life lessons. As Gertie tends to her plants, she learns the importance of being patient and caring for something over time. She also learns the value of kindness and how it can make a real difference in the world.

The illustrations in the book are beautiful, bringing the story to life in a way that will captivate young readers. The text is also well-written and easy to understand, making it a great book for younger children. 

Overall, I highly recommend “Lettuce Help” to anyone looking for a fun and engaging children’s book that teaches important lessons about behavior and gardening. It’s a delightful read that both children and adults will enjoy.