Reviews

Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Christopher Silas Neal, Kate Messner

readingdoggo's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful informative slow-paced

4.75

libraryrobin's review against another edition

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3.0

A child and Nana work in the garden from early spring until autumn harvest, observing all that occupy the habitat and the symbiosis of nature.

pacifickle's review against another edition

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3.0

Good read-aloud for primary grade readers to jump start a lesson on the life cycle with great resources in the back, as well.

beths0103's review against another edition

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5.0

Messner's use of verbs in this beautifully written picture book is worthy of study, emulation, and admiration.

allmadhere106's review against another edition

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3.0

I read this in preparation for my gardening storytime. This book gives lots of colorful illustrations about the humans and the insects that make for a perfect garden. I like the book overall, but it's a little long for a read-aloud except for with a very patient group. I can see this working well for insect fans or in a small group.

For: fans of gardens/insects; readers looking for a book that gives a more in depth look at the interworking of a garden.

Possible red flags: some may find the book too long; snake scare.

calistareads's review against another edition

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informative inspiring slow-paced

4.0

I believe this is my last Kate Messner book and I think it's the first one she wrote in the series Over and Under.  

This story is about taking care of the garden, from winter to winter and all the ways it changes season to season.  She makes a big deal of the importance of bugs to a healthy garden.  I love a praying mantis.  

This book has me missing my little garden.  I remember the year we had a praying mantis and I was so excited.  They are great for a garden.  I was hoping to have a lot more next year, but I didn't see them next year.  A garden is good stuff.  

Great book and it's always nice to read a little more about the bugs and animals in the story at the end of the book.  

Lovely artwork as well. 

wiseowl33's review against another edition

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4.0

Another awesome book by Kate Messner! Love her books!

jallertep's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 stars

kimberlyjerger's review

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3.0

*3.5

pwbalto's review against another edition

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4.0

From the muddy days of early spring through moonlit autumn nights, a little girl and her Nana plant, tend and enjoy their garden. Insects and animals do their part, too, stirring the soil, eating pests and pollinating plants. Kate Messner's vivid descriptions of cool, crumbly earth, hot sun, and summer breezes will have readers itching to get their hands dirty.

Reviewed for the Baltimore Sun, March 2015.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/maryland-family/bs-lt-paula-willey-librarian-picture-books-20150319-story.html