Wonder in the Garden

“An abundant family garden proves a joyful playground for a child in this bighearted picture book. Donning a wide yellow hat and matching boots, little Nina goes outside—“¡Hola, jardín!”—accompanied by Nube the dog. The whole familia pitches in to tend the garden. . . . Nina and Nube also manage to fit in some playtime. . . . At last it’s time for dinner, and everyone gathers at the table—outside, naturally. The day ends with this loving Latine family laughing and eating together. Aikens-Nuñez peppers Spanish words and phrases throughout her energetic, succinct text, cued by a brief glossary that preps readers before the fun even begins. She repeatedly pairs specific phrases with their Spanish counterparts in an effective learning rhythm. . . . Freitas’ effervescent artwork depicts an Edenic paradise, with plentiful curved line work accentuating Nina and Nube’s exuberant playtime. . . . A lovely reminder that the whole world can be a garden.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A day in the garden provides a child and dog ample time for play in a high-spirited picture book. . . . Perspective- and size-distortion infuse sinuous, subtly stamp-textured digital art with an oversize energy as the outing cheerfully begins, “Every day, I say hi to my world. ¡Hola, mundo!/ And hi to my garden. ¡Hola, jardin!” As canine exploits propel the pair’s romp, the child mixes conversational observations with musings about their companion’s barks. . . . A lively snapshot of garden-fueled fun.” —Publishers Weekly

“An exploration of a family’s garden with a curious dog. . . . At the beginning of the story, there is a supplementary Spanish to English dictionary that shows all of the Spanish words that are introduced . . . but the story can be enjoyed without it, as most of the well-integrated phrases are repeats of what is said in English. The vivid colors in the illustrations are aimed at a younger audience, who will find many details in the garden setting. The story is straightforward . . . with the appeal of Dora for a younger generation. . . . A book that accomplishes so much in few pages, offering Spanish/English text and including vivid pictures and an appreciation for nature.” —School Library Journal