The Global Garden
What’s inside...
In this fantastic interactive guide—with pop-ups, pull-tabs, wheels, and flaps—children learn all about the origins of food and clothing and discover all the plants that people can't do without. For those who've wondered where sugar grows, what a chocolate tree looks like, or where jeans or bicycle tires come from, the answers are all here and are shared by friendly bees who guide the reader along their way. Inspired by England's Eden Project Botanic Garden, this ingenious, prize-winning volume is ideal for Earth Day celebrations in April.
Why read this book
- Explores diverse ecosystems and plant life globally.
- Encourages environmental awareness and conservation.
- Stimulating visuals aid in comprehension and engagement.
- Ideal for interactive parent-child reading sessions.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
12 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you find most interesting about the different gardens around the world?
How do the gardens in the book compare to gardens we see around our neighborhood?
What are some ways that gardens help the environment?
If you could create your own garden, what would you grow in it and why?
How do you think taking care of a garden might teach us about taking care of our planet?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own experiences or memories related to gardens.
Encourage your child to describe the colors, textures, and smells that might be present in the gardens depicted in the book.
Ask your child to draw their ideal garden and discuss the different elements they include.
Compare the environmental benefits of gardens discussed in the book with simple actions your family can take at home to aid the environment.
While reading, pause to let your child ask questions about the gardens and their features, fostering their curiosity and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Environmental Stewardship
Explanation: The Global Garden educates children on the importance of nurturing and preserving the environment. Through its exploration of gardens around the world, it demonstrates how different cultures interact with nature.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in activities such as recycling, conserving water, or planting a tree, fostering a sense of responsibility towards environmental conservation from an early age.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: This book exposes young readers to diverse garden landscapes and practices from various parts of the world, enhancing their appreciation and understanding of global cultures.
Real-World Application: Kids can express this lesson by exploring foods, traditions, and gardening techniques from different cultures, broadening their global perspective and acceptance of diversity.
Example Lesson: The Cycle of Life
Explanation: By showing how plants grow, reproduce, and change over time, The Global Garden introduces young learners to the concept of life cycles in a concrete, relatable way.
Real-World Application: Children can observe life cycles firsthand by growing their own plants or vegetables, learning patience and the value of nurturing living things.
Example Lesson: Interdependence of Ecosystems
Explanation: The book explains how elements within a garden ecosystem depend on each other, illustrating the interconnectedness of life.
Real-World Application: By understanding this lesson, children can better appreciate how their actions impact the world around them and learn the importance of making environmentally friendly choices.
Example Lesson: Scientific Observation
Explanation: Through detailed illustrations and descriptions, The Global Garden encourages children to observe and ask questions about the natural world.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied as children embark on nature walks or engage in science projects, promoting curiosity and critical thinking skills.