Secrets of the Garden: Food Chains and the Food Web in Our Backyard

As Alice’s family’s vegetable garden grows, Alice learns about seeding, sowing, and the web of life. “Early in spring, Mom planted tomato and green pepper seeds in small pots. She kept them warm indoors by a sunny window. Now her seedlings are ready to go in the garden,” she explains. She converses with her family members via dialogue balloons (“Look at this shiny bug!”), while two highly knowledgeable chickens, Maisy and Daisy, explain concepts like photosynthesis, composting, and food chains. Lamont’s pen-and-watercolor art is filled with humorous, cozy, and informative details. This intimate portrait of a single garden points to how all ecosystems are connected. Ages 5–up. (Feb.)