A great gardening book can spark a child’s imagination and get them curious about planting their own garden. Gardening provides so many opportunities for learning and growth, it is one of the best things a child could do (just my humble opinion).
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We have read many gardening books in our home, and I have gathered some of our favorites into this list to share with you.
12 Gardening Books for Children
1. “The Curious Garden” by Peter Brown
This story is about a young boy named Liam who discovers a neglected garden and transforms it into a beautiful, thriving space. “The Curious Garden” is a heartwarming tale about the power of nature and persistence.
2. “Planting a Rainbow” by Lois Ehlert
This colorful book introduces children to the process of planting a garden and the many vibrant flowers that bloom from it. “Planting a Rainbow” is perfect for teaching kids about different types of flowers and the joy of planting.
3. “Miss Rumphius” by Barbara Cooney
“Miss Rumphius” is classic tale of a woman who, inspired by her grandfather’s wish, sets out to make the world a more beautiful place by planting lupine flowers wherever she goes.
4. “The Vegetables We Eat” by Gail Gibbons
This informative book introduces children to different vegetables, explaining how they grow and how they are harvested. “The Vegetables We Eat” is a great book for teaching kids about the food we eat and how it’s produced.
5. “How Groundhog’s Garden Grew” by Lynne Cherry
Groundhog wants to plant a garden but faces numerous challenges along the way. With the help of his animal friends, he learns how to grow his garden and share the bounty with others. “How Groundhog’s Garden Grew” teaches children the power of friendship and the kindness in generosity.
6. “Flower Garden” by Eve Bunting
A sweet and simple story about a girl who, with the help of her father, plants a flower garden for her mother’s birthday. “Flower Garden” teaches children about teamwork, family love, and the beauty of flowers.
7. “And the Good Brown Earth” by Kathy Henderson
“And the Good Brown Earth” explores the connection between people and the earth as a family plants a garden together. It emphasizes the importance of soil, nurturing plants, and the relationships we have with nature.
8. “Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt” by Kate Messner
This book explores the hidden world beneath a garden, showing the interconnectedness of plant life and the creatures that live in the soil. “Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt” is both informative and engaging for young readers.
9. “The Growing Story” by Ruth Krauss
“The Growing Story” is a simple yet profound story about the seasonal changes in a garden, that emphasizing growth, patience, and the passage of time.
10. “The Carrot Seed” by Ruth Krauss
“The Carrot Seed” is a must-read children’s classic. In this story, a young boy plants a carrot seed and faces doubt from others. After he perseveres in nurturing it, he is rewarded with a beautiful harvest.
11. “My Garden” by Kevin Henkes
A little girl dreams of her perfect garden, filled with flowers that change color, talking flowers, and magical plants. “My Garden” is a fun and creative way to inspire young gardeners.
12. “We Are the Gardeners” by Joanna Gaines
“We Are the Gardeners” is about a family who learns the joys and challenges of gardening, growing together as they cultivate a love for plants.
Let your reading help you grow
I hope these books helps inspire you and your child to get out and start planting your own garden. What are you going to plant first? Let me know in the comments!
Make it a Garden Unit Study
Pair one or more of these stories with this Garden Study on Etsy to make a fun, hands-on unit study.
Happy reading! Until next time,

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