Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt
#1 of 6 in Over and Under Series
What’s inside...
In this exuberant and lyrical addition to the award-winning Over and Under series, emerging readers delight in discovering the wonders hidden between stalks, under the shade of leaves, and down in the dirt. The author-illustrator team of Over and Under the Snow and Over and Under the Pond take readers on a journey through the seasons with a young girl and her grandmother as they plan, plant, and harvest their garden, revealing the bustling world beneath the soil where earthworms, snakes, and skunks reside. This beautifully illustrated book not only entertains with an easy-to-follow storyline but also inspires a love for nature and encourages children to explore the world around them. Complete with a glossary of garden-dwelling creatures, this book is a perfect read for early elementary students and a favorite among readers, emphasizing the harmonious relationships and complexities of the garden ecosystem.
Discussion points
What changes did you notice in the garden from the beginning to the end of the book?
How do the animals and insects help the garden grow?
If you could be any character in the book, who would you be and why?
What do you think happens in the garden when we're not looking?
How do you feel about getting your hands dirty in a garden?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own garden and what they would like to grow in it. Discuss the elements needed to help their garden thrive.
While reading, pause and ask your child to predict what might happen next, building anticipation and engagement.
After finishing the book, consider planning a visit to a local garden or starting a small plant project at home to connect the story to real-life experiences.
Use expressive reading to mimic the sounds and actions described in the book, making the story come alive for your child.
Relate the story to your child’s personal experiences, such as a time they helped in a garden or explored nature, to deepen their connection with the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the ecosystem
Explanation: This book explores the life both above and below the soil, illustrating the interconnectedness of creatures and plants in a garden.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of every part of the ecosystem, encouraging them to respect and take care of their environment.
Example Lesson: Seasons and life cycles
Explanation: The narrative follows the garden through different seasons, showcasing how it changes and how life cycles progress within it.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand the concept of time, change, and growth, linking it to what they can observe in their own surroundings or in a garden.
Example Lesson: Patience and care
Explanation: By engaging with the story of a garden that requires time and care to flourish, children see the value of consistent effort and patience.
Real-World Application: This can be applied in their daily activities such as learning a new skill or taking care of a pet, emphasizing the need for ongoing commitment.
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: The book highlights how different elements in the garden work together to create a thriving environment.
Real-World Application: It promotes teamwork and helping one another, valuable skills in school projects and family tasks.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and discovery
Explanation: As the characters explore the garden, they discover new creatures and plants, sparking curiosity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be observant and inquisitive about the natural world and to seek learning opportunities in everyday life.