Readers of this book will find a plethora of information regarding past presidential gardens, the White House, as well as how to garden successfully and learn about its many benefits.
Michelle Obama has been working towards alerting American families to proper nutrition; she recently redesigned the food pyramid to make it easier to use. Keeping the importance of healthy, locally grown organic food in mind, she proposed the idea of keeping a vegetable garden to her husband, President Obama, who thought it was a great idea. Last time a vegetable garden was planted at the White House was back in 1943, during World War II by Eleanor Roosevelt, who wanted to set an example of the importance of growing food.
To assist with the project, Mrs. Obama invited twenty-three students from a local school, who helped by digging up grass, breaking up earth, mixing organic material and installing a beehive. They planted seeds and vegetables that grew to feed not only the guests to the White House, but also Miriam’s Kitchen, an organization that provides healthy, homemade foods to the homeless of the area. At the end of the season, Mrs. Obama threw a Harvest Party for the students that helped make the White House Garden a success.
Robbin Gourley wrote and illustrated this beautiful and informative book full of lovely watercolor images. It is also beautiful in the message it passes along – locally cared for gardens provide not only healthy organic food, but they also teach the importance of growing it. Gardens show children how hard work and patience pay off, connecting them with the way nature works and how food finds its way to their table.
Clarion Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Ages: 4-8
Pages: 48
List Price: $16.99
Cover: Hardcover
Published: 4/04/2011
ISBN-10: 0547482248
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