Purple Carrot
Grow your garden and watch colors bloom! From planting to harvest, learn the colors of your favorite vegetables. Watch for the sneaky yellow dandelion hiding on every page and spot the friendly garden dwellers who stop by to say hello!
Copyright © 2023 $9.99
Rubber Ducky Press ISBN 978-1-9471-4161-2
PURPLE CARROT | ONE TOMATO
BY REBECCA MULLIN | REVIEWED BY CYNTHIA COMPTON
This charming duo of board books by Indiana children’s author Rebecca Mullin explores the wonder of gardening in a way that is accessible to all ages.
The first book of the pair, One Tomato, was released in 2021 and appeared on the 2022 Indiana Authors Awards children’s shortlist. The sun shines brightly in this lovely counting concept book for the youngest of readers, inviting them outside to explore the garden that grows their food and the plants and animals to be found there. Each two-page spread contains just enough details for naming and discussion with children, and the rounded edge design of this sturdy board book makes it an all-season companion for many rereads.
With a Midwestern nod to our ever-present dandelions, illustrator Anna Mullin “hides” a yellow flower in each scene, sure to create more delight as they are discovered. One Tomato serves as an excellent introduction to both counting and the growth cycle of the food we eat.
The Mullins’ second book, Purple Carrot, which was released this month, follows the growth cycle from planting to harvest on inviting two-page spreads, complete with helpful bees. Wander the garden in wonder with your young reader, as you name the colors together—tiny black seeds to be dropped deep in rich brown soil; bright green shoots sprouting into leaves; snowy white blossoms blooming in splendor. In the end, a rainbow of vegetables culminates this satisfying trip through the growing season.
Rebecca’s text in Purple Carrot is perfectly matched to the attention and interest of its preschool audience, with poetic short sentences designed to be echoed by children as they are read aloud. Anna’s charming illustrations echo the bright palette of One Tomato and offer a variety of small details for young hands to point out and name, including animals and insects to spy in the garden as well as that familiar hardy yellow dandelion who hides in each spread.
Rebecca’s respect for both children and the natural world is evident in each page of this sweet duo, and gardeners of every generation will carefully plant these books in their nightly reading stack again and again.
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