I Have a Garden

by Bob Barner

Overview

"I have a garden," a frisky dog announces. In simple sentences, the dog guides new readers through a bright and lush garden, which is home to a chipmunk, a bird, a bug, and all sorts of other creatures. "This garden is for me," the dog continues. "No. This garden is for all of us. We have a garden," answer his animal neighbors. Illustrated in vibrant collage, this deceptively simple I like to Read® book is a celebration of nature and community, plus readers can play spot the dog on nearly every spread. Guided Reading Level B.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780823430567
Publisher:	Candlewick Press
Publication date:	01/30/2014
Series:	I Like to Read Series
Pages:	24
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 9.80(h) x 0.10(d)
Lexile:	130L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Bob Barner is the creator of popular children's books such as FISH WISH, DEM BONES, DINOSAUR BONES, BUGS!, BUG SAFARI, and THE DAY OF THE DEAD EL DIA DE LOS MUERTOS. He lives with his wife, Cathie, in San Francisco, California. His website is www.bobbarner.com.

Editorial Reviews

"Barner’s amusing artwork done in paper collage, gouache, pastel, and pencil radiates off the pages as a playful pup shares the wonders of his garden and all of the living things that reside in it. The clear vocabulary and engaging drawings provide the earliest readers with a delightful story. Barner’s use of perspective is precise, and earthy tones warm each page."—School Library Journal
 
"Barner’s exuberant gouache-and-pastel cut-paper collages feature stylized sunflowers, poppies, daisies and more. . . . Pictures and words (delivered in the educational typeface 'Report School') cohere nicely, offering blossoming readers some fresh, springy practice. The bright pictures, particularly coupled with the clearly defined value of the garden as a shared environment, make this a nice choice for preschoolers, too."—Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

Barner's entry in the I Can Read series features an appealing white dog narrating a simple text. "I have a frog in my garden. / I have a bird in my garden." A chipmunk, a bug, a bee, and additional fauna and flora flourish on successive spreads. The dog, which dashes about with a bone or stick, declares, a bit too greedily, "This garden is all for me." With a turn of the page, all of the previously pictured creatures gather together, visually conveying the text's corrective sentiment: "No. This garden is for all of us." Barner's exuberant gouache-and-pastel cut-paper collages feature stylized sunflowers, poppies, daisies and more. A bluebird's topknot looks like a heart, echoing the shape of the dog's shiny nose. Pictures and words (delivered in the educational typeface "Report School") cohere nicely, offering blossoming readers some fresh, springy practice. The bright pictures, particularly coupled with the clearly defined value of the garden as a shared environment, make this a nice choice for preschoolers, too. Sweet and sturdy. (Early reader. 2-7)

Kirkus Reviews