Counting in the Garden - Hardcover

Brother and sister team Patrick and Emily Hruby collaborated on this charming little book. As kids growing up in a log cabin in the woods of Idaho, they were raised loving the abundant nature all around them. Emily often made up poetic stories for Patrick's imaginative drawings. As Los Angeles transplants, they each continue to pursue their respective passions for writing and illustrating. This is their first book together.

Patrick Hruby grew up to study math and physics before attending the renowned Art Center College of Design and pursuing a career as an illustrator. His interest in the geometry of nature is central to his work. Influenced by artists and designers such as Charley Harper, Paul Rand, and Mary Blair, Hruby has gone on to develop his own stunning and modern aesthetic.

Emily Hruby's love of literature, language, and traveling led her to graduate studies in English to ultimately pursue a career as a writer. As a child she was endlessly amazed by her older brother Patrick's artistic talent. As adults, they continue to collaborate on creative projects and travel together in the hunt for adventure and new inspiration.

PreS-Gr 2—Numbers 1 through 12 are introduced in this concept book set in a vegetable garden. The counting and objects will entertain children, but it is the illustrations that will truly captivate. After each number is introduced, readers turn the page to see an overview of the area that reinforces what has been introduced so far. For example, "1 onion, with many, many peels" features a single onion. Following "2 tasty turnips, deep inside the ground," a wordless spread shows one onion and two turnips. This cumulation continues after each number, concluding with "12 tall tulips/in a long yellow row." While this format is an excellent early literacy tool and children will love pointing out each addition, it does hinder the narrative flow and makes for a choppy read in places. Still, the combination of garden, counting, and colorful art is group-sharing gold. Pair this title with Katherine Ayres's Up, Down, and Around (Candlewick, 2007) for a winning garden-themed storytime.—Joy Poynor, Rogers Public Library, AR