Rooftop Garden

“Grow garden!/ Grow, grow, grow!” An inclusive group of neighbors care for raised rooftop beds of herbs and veggies in this festive picture book turned song. As pages build to a final glorious feast, sunny scenes depict people of varying abilities, ages, ethnicities, and skin tones joyfully planting seeds, labeling signs, watering, weeding, debugging, and harvesting. Though Smith’s rhythmic text (“Lots of sun and a little shade/ Bring lettuce, carrots, mint and sage”) occasionally fails to scan, Aguilera’s busy digital illustrations and simple, unlined smiling figures lend themselves to a high-spirited feel. A linked-to website offers access to an animated version of the book set to a catchy tune and sung by Holly Turton. Back matter includes growing tips, plant stages, and a musical score. Ages 3–7. (May)