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May 25, 2015mmcbeth29 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
SUMMARY: Liam lives in an induatrial, smoky and dirty city. Most people prefer to stay inside, but not Liam. He loves to explore, one day he finds a closed down train track. When he explores it, he finds plants there. They need help. Liam becomes a gardener and tends to the plants until they grow green and healthy. Then they begin to spread along the tracks as well as throughout the town. As the plants begin popping up all over town, more people begin tending to them and creating their own gardens even in the most unexpected places. ILLUSTRATIONS: The illustrations were created in acrylic and gouache on board. They are creative, colorful and nicely detailed. The author throws in little humorous details that make the story more fun such as when Liam, incognito, transplants some of his plants to another part of the city (gee, how did that get there?). The illustrations of the growing greenery were realistic as to how they would truly look in a concrete city and yet completely beautiful. THE GOOD: This is an utterly delightful story. I loved watching the transformation of the city over time as the plants spread little by little. And these were not special plants. They were moss and flowering weeds that you might see pop up in a city landscape. I enjoyed Liam's happy go lucky attitude. He did not stand up and insist the city make changes for the better. Instead he made a positive change and allowed it to grow. And the work was not always easy for him. Liam worked hard to grow these plants. This story is utterly inspiring and a wonderful way to teach children how big changes can happen through hard work that begins with them. AGE RECOMMENDATION: Advertised for ages 3-6, but I think ages 7 & 8 will enjoy it as well. This would be a perfect story to read on Earth Day or at the beginning of a gardening unit.