9 Lovely Children’s Picture Books About Gardens

Here are our favorite children’s books about gardens, which all go well beyond simple instructions on how to make green things grow. Even if you don’t have a young reader in your life, but you’re interested in plants and gardening yourself, check your local library and see if they have these! I enjoyed them as much as my child did. (Disclosure: Amazon links are affiliate links.)

My picture book posts were originally published and then occasionally expanded between 2012-2015, with reviews based on reading with my kiddo between preschool age and about eight years old. As of 2023-24, I’m freshening up my lists and adding more recs.

The Gardener (1997) by Sarah Stewart, illustrated by David Small

In the mid-1930s, Lydia Grace is sent from her rural home to live with her uncle in the city. Her uncle doesn’t smile. She’s going to fix that. It’s told in a series of letters that show Lydia Grace’s positive outlook, as well as her love for her family. Small’s artwork feels just as friendly as Lydia Grace herself.

The Ugly Vegetables (1999) by Grace Lin

I’m sure almost every child can sympathize with the daughter in this story. Mom won’t let us have the same thing everyone else has! She just keeps saying that’s the way it is! And when the “thing” is what’s growing in the yard, everyone in the neighborhood can see it! But when the secret is revealed, everyone in the neighborhood gets on board with the amazing ugly vegetables. Love the diversity of the neighborhood, and its wonderful yet subtle message.

The Curious Garden (2009) by Peter Brown

This was actually the first garden picture book I fell in love with. A boy discovers a strange thing in his bleak, grey city: a tiny garden, creating itself out of nothing. He begins to tend it, and learn from it, and soon other people start tending it and learning from it, and the entire city is transformed. A story about the environment, paying attention, and community.

Grandpa Green (2011) by Lane Smith

A quiet, sweet book narrated by the great-grandson of a gardener. He shows the reader all the important things that happened in his great-grandfather’s life – you know they were the important things because there are topiaries in his great-grandfather’s garden representing them. Some are silly, some are sad. I love the respect shown to the great-grandfather, and that his passion is horticulture (somewhat non-traditional for a man), and the connection between the child and his Grandpa Green.

Dangerously Ever After (2012) by Dashka Slater, illustrated by Valeria Docampo

Princess Amanita’s garden of dangerous plants is a very different kind of garden. She loves all things menacing, so when a neighboring prince brings her roses, the thorns captivate her. Unfortunately her handwriting is terrible (teachable moment for my son!!) so her note to his gardener asking for rose seeds doesn’t produce the expected results. In the process, Amanita learns something about herself, and about appreciating a few non-dangerous things. Some of the most gorgeous art I have seen in a picture book yet. I also kind of want some of Amanita’s clothes.

And here are the books I’ve read on my own since my kiddo got too old for them; they’re all fantastic! I haven’t had a chance to write reviews or pull the covers yet, but click on through and see if one of them might be perfect for you.

And that’s the list!