Mouse & Mole and the Year-Round Garden - Hardcover

Cushman, Doug

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0716765241 ISBN 13: 9780716765240

Publisher: W H Freeman & Co, 1994

Synopsis

Two friends, Mouse and Mole, work in their garden and learn about the natural world during each season of the year

About this title

From Publishers Weekly

In this combination story and nature lesson, Cushman ( The ABC Mystery ) introduces two animal pals who diligently plant seeds and "baby plants" in early spring. Their labor produces a bountiful crop of summer vegetables, which they harvest in the fall and feast on during the winter. Finally, when the new seed catalogue arrives, Mouse and Mole look forward to planning next year's garden. As Cushman's playful pictures and crisp text usher these two amiable characters through the seasons, panels at the bottom of each page succinctly explain a wide variety of natural processes--photosynthesis, how soil is made, how rainbows take shape, how fireflies light up, why leaves change colors, etc. Though many of the panels neatly distill intricate concepts, a few are far less informative and appear to be filler material. This lack of balance, combined with Mouse and Mole's awkward jumping from one setting to the next, upsets the presentation of both fact and fiction. Nonetheless, Cushman's answers amply resolve a host of questions about nature--and will undoubtedly spark others in the minds of inquiring youngsters. Ages 4-8. Children's BOMC main selection.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

The Scientific American imprimatur on this Children's BOMC selection is misleading: the two animal friends' gardening between one spring and the next--planting vegetables, watching them grow, putting things by, enjoying the beach or making a snow mouse as they await the next garden task--makes an effective overview of seasonal activities, but it's marred by inattention to detail. E.g., Mole shows Mouse ``how to plant pea seeds,'' but no specifics are offered; four corn seedlings (in a single row under an apple tree) simply don't resemble corn in the cartoon- style illustrations; and while a substantial number of related facts are offered in boxes at page bottoms (e.g., ``under the garden'' are worms, ants, grubs, and aphids) they tend to be superficial (what is the significance of these underground creatures?). A book that promises more than it delivers; still, the sprightly tone and cheery illustrations may arouse interest, and a knowledgeable adult could build on what's outlined here. (Picture book. 4-7) -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

About this edition

• Publisher: W H Freeman & Co
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0716765241
• ISBN 13: 9780716765240
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32