In Our Garden

Millie lives in a big, gray, wet city, but she is homesick for her family’s life across the sea. She tells her friends that she wants a garden at school. Her friends are not encouraging. Where would they put a garden in the city? In class, she tells her science teacher that they can grow food on the roof, like her family did across the sea. Suddenly, the teacher and students start planning and working, and parents and neighbors bring supplies. Some still cannot see the garden, but Millie can. As the students learn the science of gardening, the garden flourishes and feeds the new community. Best of all, Millie finds a feeling of home in her new city.

Pat Zietlow Miller, the bestselling author of numerous pictures books, including Wherever You Go and Sophie’s Squash, has written a quietly heartwarming story about following one’s heart and creating community in new places. Melissa Crowton’s illustrations perfectly complement and enhance the story, providing little readers with places to explore. One can only hope this book spawns community gardens, on rooftops or otherwise, everywhere.