Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Publisher: Flashlight Press
Release Date: April 2004
ISBN: 0972922504
Awards:  
Format Reviewed: Hardbound
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Genre:   Full-color Picture book (Ages 4 - 8)
Reviewed: 2004
Reviewer: Jan Fields
Reviewer Notes:  Flashlight Press
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Holly Bloom’s Garden
By Sarah Ashman and Nancy Parent
Illustrated by Lori Mitchell

    Sometimes I am amazed by how many “you can do anything you set your mind to” books exist, when as adults we know that you can’t really do anything you set your mind to. Some people are just better at some things. Holly Bloom’s Garden explores this theme with a nice nod to reality. Holly really isn’t as good at gardening as the rest of her family -- but that doesn’t mean she can’t use what she is good at and find her own success.

    The text of the book is lively, despite the gardening theme. My 4-year-old daughter, who has zero interest in gardening, had to be dragged to the reading room for this story, but once she heard it, she asked for it again and again. It definitely speaks to children who sometimes feel a bit unsuccessful. And it’s a smooth read aloud without any of the accidental tongue twisters you sometimes find in picture books.

    The illustrations are detailed and lovely. Lori Mitchell has created a Holly who is appealing and totally real. In some ways, the look lacks some of the flash of books by larger publishers, but it creates a warm and comforting place for young readers.