What Grew in Larry’s Garden

A girl and her neighbor grow a community from their garden.

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Awards and Honours

About the Book

Grace thinks Larry’s garden is one of the wonders of the world.

In his tiny backyard next door to hers, Larry grows the most extraordinary vegetables. Grace loves helping him — watering and weeding, planting and pruning, hoeing and harvesting. And whenever there’s a problem — like bugs burrowing into the carrots or slugs chewing the lettuce — Grace and Larry solve it together. Grace soon learns that Larry has big plans for the vegetables in his special garden. And when that garden faces its biggest problem yet, Grace follows Larry’s example to find the perfect solution.

Inspired by a real person, What Grew in Larry’s Garden is a story about caring, cooperation, empathy, perseverance, teamwork, and the amazing things that can grow when you tend your garden with kindness.

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Book Details

  • Author ‏ : ‎ Laura Alary
  • Illustrator ‏ : ‎ Kass Reich
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kids Can Press; Illustrated edition (April 7 2020)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 152530108X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1525301087

Book Reviews

“A warmhearted lesson in community and creative thinking, delivered simply.” —Kirkus Reviews, 12 January, 2020

“[A] gentle narrative celebrating diligence, problem solving, and community …” —Publishers Weekly, 30 January, 2020

“Based on a true story, Alary perfectly captures Larry`s passion and Reich`s illustrations help this lovely picture book bloom.” —Globe and Mail, 15 August, 2020

“… a truly charming read that proves amazing things can grow in both our garden’s and our lives when tended with human kindness and patience.” —CM Magazine, 18 February, 2021

“… an appealing story of building community …” —Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 06 May, 2021