Mélina Mangal - Böcker

Jayden and a new friend bring nature to the city in this timeless story about a community gardenAmidst all the buildings, people, and traffic in his neighborhood, Jayden sees nature everywhere: the squirrels scrounging, the cardinals calling, and the dandelions growing. But Mama doesn't believe there's nature in the city. So Jayden sets out to help Mama see what he sees. With the help of his friend Mr. Curtis, Jayden plants the seeds of a community garden and brings together his neighbors—and Mama—to show them the magic of nature in the middle of the city.Timeless and vibrant, this story highlights the beauty of intergenerational relationships and the power of imagination and perseverance in bringing the vision of a community garden to life. Jayden's love of nature will inspire readers to see their environment and surroundings as bursting with opportunities for growth and connection. At the back of the book, readers will find activities to make items found in the book, such as the milk jug bird feeder.Jayden's Impossible Garden is the winner of the 2019 African American Voices in Children's Literature writing contest, cosponsored by Strive Publishing and Free Spirit Publishing; the recipient of the 2021 Foreword INDIES Honorable Mention, Picture Books, Early Reader (Children's); and was named one of the Best Children's Books of the Year 2022 by The Children's Book Committee of Bank Street College of Education.

Jayden discovers the secret ingredient to trying something new. Jayden loves the outdoors and the garden he created with his friend Mr. Curtis. But he’s not so sure about sampling some of the garden’s produce. When Mr. Curtis invites neighbors to share the harvest of scarlet runner beans, Jayden faces a dilemma. Will he find the courage to try something new? Jayden returns for all new adventures in Jayden’s Secret Ingredient. This story, which can be read as a standalone or as a sequel to the award-winning Jayden’s Impossible Garden, emphasizes the importance of friendship, community, and the courage and openness to try new things. Along with Mr. Curtis and Jayden, readers learn the value of outdoor play and contact with nature, from planting a seed to sharing and eating what it produces. This story is a natural starting point for the exploration of nature, ecology, and gardening, as well as for a cooking club. At the back of the book, a section for adults has additional activities and other information to expand on the story and its ideas.

Awaken young children to the purposeful movement of squirrels and their own sense of work and playIn Squirrels Scamper, two young children—Kamali and Josiah—step outside to discover the busy world of squirrels in their own backyard. As they watch the squirrels scamper, climb, and jump through the crisp autumn air, the children join in the fun—testing their own balance and agility as they mimic the squirrels’ playful movements. Whether gathering twigs for their nests or searching for acorns, the squirrels are always on the move, and so are the children! After a day of joyful exploration and teamwork, including raking leaves and diving into leaf piles, the children realize that, like the squirrels, we too spend our days working and playing, celebrating the harmony of nature and the rhythm of life.Squirrels ScamperShows that children can connect with nature and its important lessons no matter where they liveEngages young children in reflecting on the natural worldIncludes activity ideas to engage children in learning about squirrels in their own neighborhoodsThis book is part of the Outside Our Window Board Books series, which encourages children—especially those in urban neighborhoods—to explore, protect, and delight in nature. Each book in the series focuses on one feature of the natural world (like birds), one sense (hearing), and one social or emotional learning skill (communication). The books emphasize community and encourage children and families to explore the natural world around them.

Introduce children to the sounds and sensations of the wind, and to the importance of togetherness In Wind Whirls, two young children, guided by an adult, take an early winter walk through a city neighborhood, bracing against the wind as they make their way to their grandparents’ home. The sounds of the wind surround them—whoosh, rustle, bang, flap-flap-flap. The wind brings sensation too. Cousins Kamali and Josiah feel their scarves dancing around their necks and the force of the wind pushing them along. They learn that, together, they can stand stronger and find their way through any weather. Wind Whirls:Engages young children in reflecting on the natural world and togethernessIncludes discussion ideas and activities to help children learn more about nature and their own sensesShows children that they can connect with nature and its lessons, no matter where they liveHighlights children in diverse urban environmentsThis book is part of the Outside Our Window Board Books series, which encourages children—especially those in urban environments—to explore, protect, and delight in nature. Each book in the series focuses on one feature of the natural world (like wind), one sense (hearing), and one communication or relationship skill (togetherness). The books emphasize community and encourage children and families to explore the natural world around them.

Awaken young children to the different roles we play in our communitiesIn Ants Work Together, two young children prepare for a summertime community picnic in their city neighborhood. They notice that ants are all around us, taking on specialized roles to make sure the whole colony has what it needs.As cousins Kamali and Josiah help the adults pick vegetables, prepare food, tend the community garden, and take care of little ones, they reflect on how our own diverse strengths parallel those of ants. We all work together to get the job done.Ants Work Together:Shows that children can connect with nature and its important lessons, no matter where they liveHelps us notice how even tiny ants are an important part of natureIncludes activity ideas to engage children in learning about ants in their own neighborhoodsThis book is part of the Outside Our Window Board Books series, which encourages children—especially those in urban neighborhoods—to explore, protect, and delight in nature. Each book in the series focuses on one feature of the natural world (like ants), one season (summer), and one social or emotional learning skill (working together). The books emphasize community and encourage children and families to explore the natural world around them.