Up, Down, and Around

Reach for this book when your toddler or preschooler starts asking questions about the soil in the backyard or the veggies on their dinner plate. It is a perfect choice for those transition moments where a child is ready to move beyond simple object naming and into the wonderful, messy world of how things actually work. Through a bouncy, rhythmic cadence, the story follows two children and an adult as they plant a garden and watch it transform into a delicious feast. The book beautifully balances scientific observation with joyful movement. As plants grow up, down, and around, children are introduced to foundational prepositions and the basic biology of gardening without ever feeling like they are sitting through a lesson. It celebrates the wonder of nature, the value of working together as a family, and the pride that comes from growing your own food. It is a gentle, sunny exploration that turns a walk through the garden into a rhythmic adventure.