Two preschool-age children are busy in the garden in Katherine Ayers’ breezy picture book highlighting the concepts of “up,” “down,” and “around.” Digging, planting, and watering quickly give way to the garden’s bounty: “Corn grows up. Carrots grow down. Cucumbers climb around and around.” The playful narrative is complemented by Nadine Bernard Westcott’s bright, whimsical illustrations depicting a host of mouthwatering vegetables, a plethora of wiggly, wide-eyed garden creatures, and a light-skinned boy and a brown-skinned girl taking obvious delight in the fun. (Ages 2–4)

This garden is on the move! A good-time, rollicking celebration of things that grow.

PEPPERS GROW UP.
POTATOES GROW DOWN.
PUMPKINS VINE AROUND AND AROUND.

From seeds dropping into soil to corn bursting from its stalks, from children chasing butterflies to ants burrowing underground, everything in this vibrant picture book pulses with life — in all directions! Sprightly illustrations set the mood for a rhythmic text that follows nature’s course to a final feast of backyard bounty.