Jayden's impossible garden

Jayden loves nature; however, there aren't many places to explore near his apartment in the city, a fact of which his mother often reminds him. But that doesn't stop the boy from observing the urban birds and squirrels and collecting acorns. One day, Jayden bonds with his wheelchair-using neighbor, Mr. Curtis, who loves nature as much as Jayden does, and they begin transforming part of the apartment building's lawn into a garden. Mr. Curtis shows Jayden how to reuse materials, like empty coffee cans and milk cartons, as planters, and soon the entire neighborhood is abuzz with butterflies and hummingbirds visiting the garden. Daley's soft pastel illustrations utilize vibrance and interesting perspectives to show the varied life that finds its way into cities, as well as a sweet intergenerational friendship. It is also refreshing to see the two Black male characters portrayed in roles other than athletes or mischievous siblings, common defaults in children's literature. Kids will fall in love with the idea that they can build a garden wherever they reside, and they'll get assistance from the book's back matter, which provides instructions for making recycled garden crafts, such as a birdfeeder. With an abundance of STEAM connections and wonderful character representation, this is a fantastic pick for Earth Day and beyond.

A creative Black boy named Jayden carves out a natural space for himself with the help of a friend in this compassionate picture book. Jayden loves spending time outside, but his Mama believes "there's no nature here in the middle of the city." When Jayden befriends Mr. Curtis, a Black man who uses a wheelchair, the pair cultivate nature in their "magical secret fort garden," sowing flower seeds in recycled planters around the grassy lot behind their building. Mangal's emphasis on sensory details makes natural elements feel tangible (Jayden "watched squirrels scrounge for snacks.... He felt fat, furry snowflakes as they fell from the sky and landed on his face"), while Daley's saturated art spotlights joyful moments. A warm portrayal of an intergenerational friendship that will inspire similar projects. Back matter includes an author's note, facts about the featured flora and fauna, and instructions for recycled crafts. Ages 4--9. (Mar.)