A young Maine girl tends to her garden and writes to her grandparents - newly moved to California - in this picture-book celebration of the seasons of the year, and the natural bounty to be enjoyed each month. Beginning in icy January, when Lily receives a crate of oranges from her far-off Grandma and Grandpa, Lily's Garden chronicles her active days - tapping for maple sap (and making maple syrup!) in February, planting her garden in April, raking the blueberry crop in August, harvesting the pumpkins in October - each of which has its own tasks and treats! Finally, with the coming of December and Christmas, a very special surprise awaits...

An engaging story that functions, not just as a celebration of gardening and the natural world, but of the loving bond between grandparent and grandchild (as well as parent and child) Lily's Garden pairs the main story, in which Lily narrates her experiences, with non-fiction asides that give more information about specific plants and produce. The colorful artwork, while not exactly my "cup of tea," is very engaging, and will keep young readers' attention. All in all, a sweet little book, one I would recommend to young gardening enthusiasts, or to those looking for children's stories that explore the seasons of the year. ( )