Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
The Sunshine Garden: Being a Team Player is a fun illustrated story with a good message written by Jamie Michalak and illustrated by Jenna Nahyun Chung. Released 19th March 2024 by Charlesbridge, it's 32 pages and available in hardcover format. Ebook due out from the same publisher April 30th 2024.
This is a fun book with colorful illustrations and simple text and a good message about teamwork, compassion, and caring for our planet and each other. Mia's neighbor, Mr. Angelo, isn't feeling well, so Mia agrees to help take care of his garden plot in the local community garden. With her friends' enthusiastic help and creativity, they do the job and still have time for fun.
It's a short book (32 pages) and the simple free (non rhyming) text will be a good read for youngsters who are beyond the basics with reading skills. Lexile measurement for this book is AD560L and it's recommended for ages 4-7 years. The cast of characters are ethnically diverse, and it's never pointed out, just a natural part of the book, which is lovely.
Four and a half stars. It would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, reading circle, or gift giving. The author/publisher have also included a short list of activity prompts at the back of the book for facilitators/teacher/parent or reader use.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Reviewed by annieb123 on
Reading updates
- 19 March, 2024: Started reading
- 19 March, 2024: Finished reading
- 19 March, 2024: Reviewed