A Kid's Herb Book- for children of all ages, written by Lesley Tierra, published by Robert D. Reed, 263 pages, softcover. This is a delightful book to introduce children to the wonderful world of herbs. It introduces the reader to the vocabulary and uses of herbs, useful facts, recipes, folklore and songs. Tierra has taken into consideration that children cannot handle stoves, knives and other tools by themselves and so addresses the adult. The ideal way to handle this book would be for an adult and child to read and do the activities together.

Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots- Gardening Together with Children by Sharon Lovejoy If I could get only one gardening book to help me instill the joy of gardening in a child, this would be the book I would choose. This book is inspiring and packed with useful information for the novice as well as the seasoned gardener. There is a chapter on the top 20 plants that kids love to grow and a chapter on gardening basics. Lovejoy presents a variety of special theme gardens which parents and kids can grow together. She tells you what you need for each project including plans, growing instructions, whimsical illustrations and even recipes.

Great Gardens for kids by Clare Matthews, by British publisher Hamlyn, 160 pages, hardcover. Claire Matthews has written this book with children in mind, but mainly for the adult who wishes to create a garden and play area for a child. It shows how to make unusual, imaginative, attractive features for a backyard garden that appeal to the child's imagination. It contains ideas for garden furniture, play areas, child-safe water features, wildlife and pet areas and of course, areas for growing gardens. The ideas are practical and affordable and are intended to inspire creative play, exercise, fun and stimulate an interest in nature and horticulture. Bright, colourful, pictures accompany each idea.

Green Thumbs- A kid's Activity Guide to Indoor and Outdoor Gardening by Laurie Carlson,Chicago Review Press, 132 pages, softcover. Laurie Carlson, a primary teacher and mother of two, is the author of several kid's activity books. This book is all about plants, propagating and dividing plants, drying plants and using plants for crafts and cooking. It's set up with one activity per page with directions and hand drawn illustrations, a great book for a child who likes to do experiments on their own.

Fun with Gardening- 50 great projects kids can plant themselves by Clare Bradley, by British publisher Southwater, 96 pages, hardcover. This book was previously called 'Step-by-Step Gardening Projects for Kids', which is exactly what it is. With lively, colourful pictures and easy to follow instructions for each project, the author takes you through a series of seasonal, kid friendly, garden activities starting in the spring and ending with Christmas.

Submitted by Thyra Mitchell