Wonder in the Garden

Talia Aikens-Nuñez (KidsLitByTalia.com) also wrote the picture books Small Nap, Little Dream; Colors of the Sun and Moon: Colores del Sol y de La Luna; and Escucha Means Listen. Raising a bilingual child inspired her to write multicultural children's books. Talia’s family loves nature so much that she and her husband vowed that they will always try to live close to water. She and her family live in Connecticut with a little pond.Irena Freitas (IrenaFreitas.com) has illustrated numerous picture books, including It Took Two Wishes (by Edwina Wyatt) and Thoughts Are Air (by Michael Arnd). An author and illustrator working for clients internationally in Manaus, Brazil, she has an MFA in Illustration from Savannah College of Arts and Design and loves illustrating people, funny situations, and whimsical stories. When she isn’t reading and illustrating books, she likes to travel and visit new places.

“An abundant family garden proves a joyful playground for a child in this bighearted picture book. Donning a wide yellow hat and matching boots, little Nina goes outside—“¡Hola, jardín!”—accompanied by Nube the dog. The whole familia pitches in to tend the garden. . . . Nina and Nube also manage to fit in some playtime. . . . At last it’s time for dinner, and everyone gathers at the table—outside, naturally. The day ends with this loving Latine family laughing and eating together. Aikens-Nuñez peppers Spanish words and phrases throughout her energetic, succinct text, cued by a brief glossary that preps readers before the fun even begins. She repeatedly pairs specific phrases with their Spanish counterparts in an effective learning rhythm. . . . Freitas’ effervescent artwork depicts an Edenic paradise, with plentiful curved line work accentuating Nina and Nube’s exuberant playtime. . . . A lovely reminder that the whole world can be a garden.” —Kirkus Reviews“A day in the garden provides a child and dog ample time for play in a high-spirited picture book. . . . Perspective- and size-distortion infuse sinuous, subtly stamp-textured digital art with an oversize energy as the outing cheerfully begins, “Every day, I say hi to my world. ¡Hola, mundo!/ And hi to my garden. ¡Hola, jardin!” As canine exploits propel the pair’s romp, the child mixes conversational observations with musings about their companion’s barks. . . . A lively snapshot of garden-fueled fun.” —Publishers Weekly“An exploration of a family’s garden with a curious dog. . . . At the beginning of the story, there is a supplementary Spanish to English dictionary that shows all of the Spanish words that are introduced . . . but the story can be enjoyed without it, as most of the well-integrated phrases are repeats of what is said in English. The vivid colors in the illustrations are aimed at a younger audience, who will find many details in the garden setting. The story is straightforward . . . with the appeal of Dora for a younger generation. . . . A book that accomplishes so much in few pages, offering Spanish/English text and including vivid pictures and an appreciation for nature.” —School Library Journal