Official Review: Summer in Jane's Garden by Jane Huml

[CommMayo]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Summer in Jane's Garden" by Jane Huml.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Summer in Jane’s Garden is a short children’s book by Jane Huml. Lisi Anthus is a scarecrow bedecked in a purple dress and matching hat. She narrates the activity that goes on in Jane’s garden as the seasons progress through spring, summer, and fall. Lisi remarks on the activity of the local bugs, birds, and mammals that visit the flowers and vegetables. The bees simply sip nectar from the flowers while the deer and rabbits devour the hosta and vegetables.

Each page includes a colorful hand-drawn illustration that matches the story’s succinct text. Lois Huml Durda did a fantastic job drawing the various animals and plants that make up the story. There is just enough color to be interesting without being too cartoon-like.

As a gardener, I enjoyed reading about the types of plants Jane had growing on her little plot of land. Huml stresses the interrelatedness of plants, animals, and human activities. She talks about the butterflies laying their eggs on leaves and bees harvesting pollen to make honey. The author also includes her own tip on how to prevent animals from eating everything in the garden. The illustrations are pleasing to the eye and are a departure from the typical garish computer-generated images that are becoming all too common in children’s books.

While the book is cute, many of the plant references might be too much for the age group the book is intended to serve. While I am familiar with phlox, gladiolas, and astilbes, many adults might find themselves stumbling while trying to pronounce the names of these plants correctly. A child would need to be raised by a Master Gardner to have any hope of being familiar with these terms. I noticed more than a few grammar and editing errors, and the binding of the paperback book started coming apart after just one reading.

Summer in Jane’s Garden is a cute story with a message of kindness. While it is published by a Christian publishing company, the text does not contain overt religious messaging, making this book suitable for people of all faiths. I think it would be a wonderful book to read to children between the ages of three and seven who are interested in exploring their grandmother’s garden. I’ll happily dig in and give it a rating of 3 out of 4 stars.

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Summer in Jane's Garden
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Like CommMayo's review? Post a comment saying so!

[gen_g]

Ooh, I think the complicated names would be too much, especially if it's a children's book. Other than that, it seems like a great read. Thanks for the review!

[Ivana Tomaš]

This sounds like a very interesting, colorful and cute story. I'm sorry that the book lists too specific plant terms that might be too complicated for children. Thanks for a very good review!

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

I agree the names of the plants may be too complicated for children. Overall, it sounds like an engaging book for kids. Thanks for the thorough review!

[Meg98]

This sounds like a cute story, but I agree with you about the complicated plant terms. It might be a bit too difficult for children to understand... thanks for this excellent review!

[Amanda Deck]

What you say about the terms surprises me too, BUT...how many little children can name several types of dinosaurs? Plenty, I think. And two of my kids learned all the planets, and specifics about their composition and distances, while they were ridiculously young.

So for a child with that interest (or even one you're trying to spark an interest in), this may be perfect. My granddaughter lives on a farm where her grandfather has planted many types of flowers. She's learned some of the names, so this can work. I admit though, she's much more interested in the raspberries and asparagus!

Including so much other information that's useful and educational and having good illustrations makes this sound like a pretty good choice. Too bad about the poor binding and the errors.

[kdstrack]

This sounds like a lovely story. The age range targets children while they still believe scarecrows can talk! Maybe the difficult names will motivate some families to do some research on internet. I like a book that encourages children to get outside and explore nature. Thanks for this delightful review!

[austenfan]

My favourite author has always been and will remain Gerald Durrell. This this book sounds like something I'd like to read even though it is meant for children. I myself do not know what the third plant you mentioned is. Perhaps there are a few too complicated references for kids. Still, as always a fantastic review. Thank you CommMayo.

[Hiruni Bhagya 81]

Seems like an interesting book for little kids. But, it seems to be too complicated for little children. I have to agree with you about not even adults knowing some of those plants. It's good to educate children from a young age, but we have to do it being conscious of the fact that they are still little. So, thanks for your thoughtful review.

[kandscreeley]

It sounds like this one is very informative; it also sounds like the illustrations are very well drawn. I'm not really that interested in plants, nor do I have children. For those reasons, I probably won't read this one. I do appreciate your review, though.

[naturalmama81]

It sounds lovely! I'm fond of the "garden" theme, especially for summer.

Thank you for sharing the review! My children just might find this book an interesting read.

[Wyland]

I think the reference to outdoor activity, that is gardening, is healthy for children. That and the fact that the book is quite creative in having a scare crow as a character is quite positive. Thanks for the nice review.

[janinewesterweel]

What you say about the terms surprises me too, BUT...how many little children can name several types of dinosaurs? Plenty, I think. And two of my kids learned all the planets, and specifics about their composition and distances, while they were ridiculously young.

So for a child with that interest (or even one you're trying to spark an interest in), this may be perfect. My granddaughter lives on a farm where her grandfather has planted many types of flowers. She's learned some of the names, so this can work. I admit though, she's much more interested in the raspberries and asparagus!

Including so much other information that's useful and educational and having good illustrations makes this sound like a pretty good choice. Too bad about the poor binding and the errors.

I fully agree with Amanda that this could be the perfect book to read to young kids and educate them at the same time. I'm sure the adults would learn a thing or two as well! My girls both grew up in game lodges in the South African bushveld and my eldest daughter could tell the difference between a Cheetah and a Leopard and name them correctly at the age of three.

So, on second thought, maybe naming everything properly from the word go is not such a bad idea. To me, this sounds like such a cute story on the surface, with a much deeper purpose and I've always loved that - like taking your kids to see one of the animated movies that's actually aimed at adult humour on another level. Thanks for your lovely review!

[CommMayo]

What you say about the terms surprises me too, BUT...how many little children can name several types of dinosaurs? Plenty, I think. And two of my kids learned all the planets, and specifics about their composition and distances, while they were ridiculously young.

So for a child with that interest (or even one you're trying to spark an interest in), this may be perfect. My granddaughter lives on a farm where her grandfather has planted many types of flowers. She's learned some of the names, so this can work. I admit though, she's much more interested in the raspberries and asparagus!

Including so much other information that's useful and educational and having good illustrations makes this sound like a pretty good choice. Too bad about the poor binding and the errors.

I fully agree with Amanda that this could be the perfect book to read to young kids and educate them at the same time. I'm sure the adults would learn a thing or two as well! My girls both grew up in game lodges in the South African bushveld and my eldest daughter could tell the difference between a Cheetah and a Leopard and name them correctly at the age of three.

So, on second thought, maybe naming everything properly from the word go is not such a bad idea. To me, this sounds like such a cute story on the surface, with a much deeper purpose and I've always loved that - like taking your kids to see one of the animated movies that's actually aimed at adult humour on another level. Thanks for your lovely review!

I agree with both of you that children rise to the occasion of what is taught to them and expected of them. As a young child, I was familiar with way more plants than your average adult. I just think that the adult reading the story needs to know what they are talking about to be able to pronounce some of those plants correctly!