What Grew in Larry’s Garden

Inspired by the true story of a teacher and his tomato project, What Grew in Larry’s Garden, an absolute must-have for readers of all ages, is a heartwarming tale of a young girl and her elderly neighbour as they tend to an urban backyard garden and prove that a bit of kindness and understanding are all a vegetable patch and a community need to thrive.

In his tiny backyard, Larry grows extraordinary vegetables. In the eyes of young Grace, her neighbour’s garden is one of the true natural wonders of the world. She loves nothing more than to help Larry with his vegetable garden each and every day. Together, they plant, prune, water and weed. They also solve problems, such as thieving squirrels and burrowing bugs, but always in the most humane and thoughtful ways, careful to never disrupt or harm a creature, plant, or any other living thing. When Larry’s neighbour’s new fence blocks the sunlight from Larry’s beloved array of heirloom tomatoes, the two gardeners are faced with a daunting problem that seems to have no real resolution. Luckily, Grace has learned that possibility hides in every seed. She reaches out to Larry’s neighbour, offering “seeds” of friendship and an opportunity to work together to put the fence to better use.

Author Laura Alary has created a genuinely serene and sweet story focusing on the power of collaboration, community and creative thinking. Both Larry and Grace are characters readers will surely care for and wish they could work alongside in gardens of their own. Illustrations from Kass Reich complement the story with beautifully rich earth-toned drawings and a charming focus on the elements of nature found on each page. Several two-page spread images offer wonderful visualizations to help younger readers make meaning and allow even the oldest reader to fall in love with the lush greenery of Larry’s backyard oasis.

With themes of community, kindness, patience, and the power of positive human relationships, author Laura Alary offers a story that deserves a beloved place amongst all library, school, and personal bookshelves. This is a picture book children, teachers, and families will want to read again and again. What Grew in Larry’s Garden is 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.