Farmbrarian

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The Locavore Way: Discover and Enjoy the Pleasures of Locally Grown Food (2009) by Amy Cotler is a comprehensive, easy-to-read guide on how to find, buy, and cook locally grown food. She covers every aspect of eating locally: from the basics, like what to look for at farmer’s markets, to the more complex, like how to buy meat and poultry in areas where local food is not available in stores. Recipes and tips for preparing many vegetables and fruits help those of us less experienced with creating meals with fresh food. The author also stresses the importance of consumer expectations of the companies, restaurants, and schools linked to our meals and how to effectively advocate for change. The Locavore Way includes a great resource section to get you started, and my favorite – testimonials from farmers, chefs, and families who make local food a part of their lives.

Thanks to Storey Publishing for the review copy and to one of Reno’s own locavores Shelley of Local Food Northern Nevada for the review! Shelley’s site is a great resource for area residents, check it out!

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The Curious Garden  – Written and Illustrated by Peter Brown

One day, in a city devoid of vegetation, a curious boy named Liam stumbles upon a smattering of dying wildflowers and plants growing along an abandoned railway. Though he knows little about gardening, Liam resolves to do what he can to save the tiny garden. As a result of Liam’s dogged determination, the plants flourish. Before long, Liam’s garden begins to spread, not just along the railway, but also throughout the entire city. As the garden grows, so does the community’s involvement in it, until Liam becomes just one of many gardeners in the city.

Inspired by the growth of a real garden along the abandoned Highline railway in Manhattan, this gentle story celebrates both the beauty of nature and the power of one individual to make a difference. The lovely acrylic and gouache illustrations, which include many wordless spreads, depict the almost magical transformation of the city from a bleak place to one full of lush greenery. In a concluding author’s note, Brown encourages his young readers to follow in Liam’s footsteps and look for nature all around them. Recommended for ages 5-8.

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Over in the Garden – Written by Jennifer Ward, Illustrated by Kenneth J. Spengler

This charming take on the traditional counting rhyme “Over in the Meadow” illuminates the roles played by different critters in a garden. The bright gouache illustrations depict ten large, cheery insects, from pouncing mantises to buzzing bees and glowing beetles. Children will practice both their counting and detective skills, as each spread contains a hidden number reflecting the number of insects on the page. Readers wishing to learn more about the creatures in this tale will find additional information about many of them presented in a “Fun Facts” section in the back. The book concludes with a musical score for those unfamiliar with the tune to Over in the Meadow. Recommended for ages 3-6.

Reviews graciously contributed by our friend Cassandra who works as a Children’s Librarian in the Boston area. If interested in submitting a guest review, contact us!