Official Review: Bedlam in Grandma Green’s Garden

[Cecilia_L]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Bedlam in Grandma Green’s Garden" by Kim Richman.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Bedlam in Grandma Green’s Garden is a delightful children's picture book by Kim Richman. When Grandma Green heads outdoors to her garden, she discovers yellow dandelions growing everywhere. The pesky weeds seem to have sprouted overnight and are crowding her garden. As she gathers strawberries, she hears an unknown voice and realizes that one of the dandelions is speaking to her. It wants to be picked, and Grandma is perplexed. She bakes pies with strawberries, and makes salads with garden vegetables, but what on earth can she do with dandelions?

The picture book is professionally edited and beautifully illustrated. It will amuse young readers while it teaches them the value of the dandelion and introduces the concept of sustainability through gardening. Richman includes a dandelion cookie recipe and lists beneficial qualities of the dandelion that will further engage and teach readers. For instance, I have heard of adding dandelion greens to salads, but I was unaware that they have "saved people from starvation," as the roots, leaves, and flowers are all edible.

Hands down, the colorful dandelion illustrations are my favorite feature of this short picture book; they exude personality and bring the dandelion's character to life. The bright yellow flower is in tears as it reasons with Grandma Green. As a garden enthusiast, I can attest to the fact that the resilient weeds do appear to grow overnight, and like Grandma, I have been guilty of viewing them as pests. However, this amusing story will cause readers of all ages to rethink their views on the weed that most children already consider a bouquet-worthy flower.

There isn't anything I dislike about the book, but I have a suggestion for improvement. The book is quite short, and young readers would enjoy seeing additional illustrations of Grandma Green making the cookies, which would also add a few pages to the book's overall length.

For its entertaining story, delightful illustrations, and teaching value, I am pleased to rate the book 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend it to young readers through the age of 10 and to parents, grandparents, and teachers.

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Bedlam in Grandma Green’s Garden
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Laura Lee]

I love well-written, beautifully illustrated children's books. This sounds like a fun premise for a children's story. Thanks for your well-written review! I always enjoy your reviews.

[Cecilia_L]

Thank you, Laura!

[kandscreeley]

Wow! I love this. Not many know the positive properties of the dandelion or what you can do with it. It seems like a cute book. Thanks!

[Cecilia_L]

Wow! I love this. Not many know the positive properties of the dandelion or what you can do with it. It seems like a cute book. Thanks!

It really is a cute story. Thanks for your comment.

[Amy747]

I love that this book teaches appreciation for the unappreciated.

[Cecilia_L]

I love that this book teaches appreciation for the unappreciated.

That is a great point. Thanks for sharing.

[Josephe-Anne]

Wow! I've heard of dandelion greens and dandelion tea, but I never knew that you could make cookies with this underappreciated plant! It just goes to show that you can always learn something new.

Thanks for another great review!

[Cecilia_L]

Wow! I've heard of dandelion greens and dandelion tea, but I never knew that you could make cookies with this underappreciated plant! It just goes to show that you can always learn something new.

Thanks for another great review!

Thanks for your kind comments. This fun book taught me something new as well!

[Ladyg5]

I like to read this to my grandson he always pick them up when he see them. I was introduced to people eating these and I was not interested since in my time they were never on my menu. Thanks for shinning more light on these flower. Thanks for the review

[Cecilia_L]

I like to read this to my grandson he always pick them up when he see them. I was introduced to people eating these and I was not interested since in my time they were never on my menu. Thanks for shinning more light on these flower. Thanks for the review

I hope your grandson enjoys the book. Thanks for your comment.

[Nisha Ward]

Huh. I knew about the salad but not about the cookies. Guess that shows just how useful this book is and that's just from the review.

[Ogoskino]

I didn't know that dandelions could be any good until now. The book sounds quite educative and the illustrations make them more appreciable for children. Great review!

[vermontelf]

The title pf this book caught my eye leading me to read your review. Very written - thank you. I love your suggestion to add pages of baking with the dandelion to add more length.

This sounds like a fun book to read with children, especially as foraging is becoming more popular.