Dr. George Washington Carver traveled the South showing poor communities how to grow nutritious crops; how to recover their soil, ruined by growing cotton; and how to recover their health. Author’s Note.

How does Dr. Carver get those big cabbages and onions? Dr. Carver is a plant doctor with a moveable classroom. He teaches how to develop soil. Soil is important because the food that the plants need comes directly from the soil. Dr. Carver also teaches how to make foods from other foods, such as butter and sugar from sweet potatoes and peanuts. It you want to know why your garden isn't doing so well, Dr. Carver says to listen to your plants. And before you go killing anything in your garden, make sure that you know first the relationship between that bug and your garden. You just might be killing something that your garden needs. And if anybody asks where you got that information from, tell them you learned it from Dr. George Washington Carver, a African American botanist and inventor. ( )

Response - I think this picture book does a great job teaching an important part of American history and about Dr. Carver. He is a great role model. The reader learns about service, community, and taking action to make a positive difference.

Curricular connection - This book could be integrated with units on American History, role models, building a community, and environments.

This book is suitable for young children to discuss a variety of topics.
Readers will get a sense of who Dr. George Washington Carver was and what he did. The book can be used to discuss natural science and also is a good addition for promoting diversity.

The highlights of the book is that it features children as the characters in the story alongside Dr. Carver. It is a great picture book (the illustrations are fantastic) and the autobiography piece is true to Dr. Carver's life.

IN THE GARDEN WITH DR. CARVER by Susan Grigsby,pictures by Nicole Tadgell is a fascinating Children's book/Educational. Well written,with engaging characters,beautiful pictures and a great teaching tool for young readers. Easy to follow and a great read for grade levels Kindergarten - 3rd grade. This author has placed an interesting take on the African American Scientist,Dr. Carver, we all learned about in school,plus she has added much insight and strength into his story. A must read for not only young readers but for Educators and adults alike. Received for an honest review from the publisher.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: NONE(CHILDREN'S BOOK)

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More ( )