Everyone in the neighborhood seems to be planting their spring gardens, none of which are like the garden planted by the mother of the Chinese-American girl featured in this story. Although she’s originally self- conscious about the differences, come harvest time she is pleasantly surprised by all the attention the neighbors pay the “ugly vegetables” -- her mom’s Chinese vegetable soup is definately a roaring success enjoyed by all the neighbors who have been invited to share it. Based on the author/artist’s own childhood memories, the story concludes with her family recipe for Ugly Vegetable Soup. (Ages 3-6)