School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 4-The author and illustrator of Bring Me Some Apples and I'll Make You a Pie (Clarion, 2009) returns with another book that celebrates the joys of gardening and sharing healthy foods with others. Beginning with an introduction to the White House and its grounds, Gourley then describes some of the children who have lived there and the ways in which they used the outdoor space. A portrait of the Obama family introduces the section on gardening for food at the White House, from John Adams in 1800 through Eleanor Roosevelt in 1943. The narrative then turns to Michelle Obama and how she invited children from nearby schools to help prepare the soil, plant, cultivate, and ultimately cook and eat the produce; how the White House chefs became involved in the process; and how food from the First Garden now helps feed the Obamas as well as people at a Washington, DC, homeless shelter. General advice on home gardening and healthy eating is provided at the end of the book, and some White House recipes are included. With many schools developing instructional gardening spaces and an overall growing awareness of the problem of childhood obesity, this book fulfills many needs. The watercolor illustrations depict diverse groups of people gardening and enjoying eating together. The fruits and vegetables look so delicious, they may well inspire a child to plant some seeds or partake of a new food. A beautiful and timely addition.-Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher's School, Richmond, VA (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Gourley's discussion of Michelle Obama's creation of a vegetable garden on the White House lawn is framed by a brief history of other gardens at the White House. Loose-handed watercolor illustrations depict a place that's full of life. A foreword by chef Alice Waters and a series of recipes are included. Reading list, websites. (c) Copyright 2011. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
*Starred Review* Before discussing the current White House garden, this fresh, informative picture book introduces readers to the White House and its grounds; to the children who have live. there over the years; and to other First Families who have planted fruits and vegetables. The heart of the book begins in 2009. Michelle Obama worked with White House staff and children from a local elementary school to plant th. First Garden. and after dealing with weeds and insect pests, they harvested the food they had grown. Readers are encouraged to create their own small gardens and share family meals that include more local produce and fewer processed foods. In the many watercolor illustrations, splashes of color show up brilliantly against the bright, white pages. Although Gourley includes plenty of factoids for kids intrigued by past and present residents of the White House, she also makes gardening look enjoyable and rewarding. Recipes from the White Hous. are appended as well as useful lists of books and websites. The foreword by Alice Waters may draw adults to the book, but Gourley's clear, focused writing and lively illustrations will keep children engaged. A fine choice for introducing children to the rewards of gardening at home or at school.--Phelan, Caroly. Copyright 2010 Booklist
