Three Little Gardeners

An early twentieth century book in which an older gardener named Giles teaches three children, named Mark, Dorothy, and Ruth how to create their first garden. The book chronicles them caring for the garden in their first year. The reader begins in January and ends with the garden blanketed with snow in December. The children learn the importance of doing garden chores each month and if you “take care of your plants and treat them rightly, they are sure to reward you with beautiful flowers.” The delightful illustrations throughout the book are by Gertrude M. Bradley, an illustrator of several children’s books. At the end of each chapter month is a list of the tasks that need to be done, guiding the reader to success in their own garden. In the back of the book are recommended plants to grow in a typical children garden. Not only do you have a story to read, but you can follow along with Mark, Dorothy, and Ruth and create your own garden. It seems to be a great way to get a new generation interested in something people have been doing for centuries for enjoyment and food.