Luna Loves Gardening

Luna Loves Gardening is the sixth title in the picture book series about the little girl discovering her enjoyment of things like art, dancing, and books. Written by the current Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho, this is a sweet, cheerful story about Luna's visit to the community garden, where she jumps in muddy puddles, helps to make a bug hotel, plants potatoes, and sows and nurtures seeds.

The idea that by swapping seeds with other members of the community garden she is also swapping and collecting stories is interesting and a novel way of highlighting the multiculturalism of her world. There are Nana's callaloo seeds from Jamaica, beetroot seeds from Ukraine, purple carrot seeds from Afghanistan, and musical instruments made out of calabash from India. The idea that plants are heirlooms and a connection to a family's heritage is lovely and heartwarming. I think there is a lot of possibilities in taking this idea forward in class or gardening/nature groups.

Fiona Lumbers’ illustrations are bright, engaging and wonderfully colourful. This is a joyous and positive book about community, diversity, connecting with the past, as well as nature and gardening. As such, there are four projects detailed in the endpapers that encourage the reader to engage in the activities including making a mini pond and keeping a wildlife journal. I am pleased I have been introduced to Luna and will seek out her other adventures.

Picture book / Reviewed by Natalie McChrystal Plimmer, librarian

Suggested Reading Age 3+