“This charming board book…will inspire conversation and simple science explorations.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“Gentle rhymes…draws to mind Ezra Jack Keats’ A Snowy Day as she enjoys the small pleasures of playing in the elements… Manelle Oliphant’s illustrations infuse the book with joy and colors to brighten a cloudy day.” ―Booklist Reader

Best Children’s Books of the Year―Bank Street College of Education, 2019

Elizabeth Spurr holds a degree in journalism from the University of Southern California. A former newspaper editor, she is the author of a number of children’s books. You can visit her website here.

Manelle Oliphant is a graduate of Brigham Young University-Idaho and an artist and illustrator. She lives in Utah. You can visit her website here.

“[A] lovely and winning celebration of the magic of winter…. Charming and spectacular; a wintry delight.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

Elizabeth Spurr holds a degree in journalism from the University of Southern California. A former newspaper editor, she is the author of a number of children’s books. You can visit her website here.

Manelle Oliphant is a graduate of Brigham Young University-Idaho and an artist and illustrator. She lives in Utah. You can visit her website here.

“Peachtree Publishing is making a splash with their latest board book additions that we think are the cat’s meow. Perfect for children embarking on their first camping trips this summer…” ―CATS Meow, Baker & Taylor

“Sparse, alliterative rhyming text tells the story with masterful charm, along with the delightful, cheerfully realistic illustrations.” ―Midwest Book Review

“The combination of setting, story and sights is enchanting as the illustrations bring a smile to your face and place you right next to the babbling brook or the warm glow of the camp fire…this tale will have little ones locked on in wide eyed wonder as their curiosity about nature grows…and will even work as a bed time treat with the sleepy time ending.” ―Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

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“Cute soft colored pencil drawings make this a sweet book to read to your baby/toddler. If you are a fan of In the Garden by the same author/illustrator team then you’re going to want to grab this one to add to the collection!” ―Butterfly Wishes and Wonderland Dreams

“Makes for a charming introduction to themes of family, fishing and camp fires. Spurr and Oliphant have done little kids a service with the lively wording and illustrations of a boy and his dad sharing a camping trip. Their adventures are a great way to share some of the joys of camping with the babies and toddlers in your life.” ―Children’s Bookstore

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Elizabeth Spurr holds a degree in journalism from the University of Southern California. A former newspaper editor, she is the author of a number of children’s books. You can visit her website here.

Manelle Oliphant is a graduate of Brigham Young University-Idaho and an artist and illustrator. She lives in Utah. You can visit her website here.

“A gentle outing for children who are ready for stories of everyday life rather than just objects to name.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“The soft, painterly illustrations transport readers to that blustery day in the park, right up to the beautiful sunset, and able communicate that girl’s emotional experience.”  ―The Horn Book Guide

“The rhyming text is spot on.” ―Storytime Secrets

Elizabeth Spurr holds a degree in journalism from the University of Southern California. A former newspaper editor, she is the author of a number of children’s books. You can visit her website here.

Manelle Oliphant is a graduate of Brigham Young University-Idaho and an artist and illustrator. She lives in Utah. You can visit her website here.

“Delicately illustrated…Oliphant’s illustrations express the passage of time through changes in light…while Spurr’s careful descriptions capture the slow but gratifying process of planting and harvesting.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Subtle, understated spreads complement the powerfully quiet text. The soft lines move just enough to create gentle energy within each frame… With a little water and tender loving care, it’s a pleasure to watch this garden grow.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“With many close-ups and a realistic feel, this has potential to both introduce an understanding of how things grow and be a useful easy reader.” ―Booklist

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“Perfect for preschoolers and toddlers, this appealing story shows a boy going through the steps of planting a garden and watching it grow. Using spare, simple language and a gentle sparse verse story, the beautiful process of making and tending a garden is explored.” ―Midwest Book Review

“The simplicity and size make this the perfect book for budding gardeners.” ―Reading Today

“Vivid, lifelike illustrations with simple one- and two-word phrases tell a complete and satisfying story.” ―Wichita Eagle

“Coupled with the visual aspects of the growing plants, In the Garden earns my recommended rating for the toddler lap reader.” ―Boys to Books

“The author providing poetic words and the illustrator in painting a picture come together to create this darling book about a child and his garden growing and becoming fruitful.” ―It’s About Time MaMaw

“This gardening introduction board book demonstrates the fruitful rewards of caring for a garden using simple rhyme to delight the earliest readers. Fine-spun textural patterns enrich the earth tone illustrations.” ―Picture Book Reviews

“Parents who are nature-conscious will love this title, as will budding scientist families. I’d place it in the basket of any of my STEM teacher colleagues” ―”Practically Paradise” (School Library Journal)

“Delightful…Hats off to Elizabeth Spurr for the words and to Manelle Oliphant for the charming illustrations.” ―Spirituality and Practice

“As a teacher, I appreciate how the pictures are clear and helpful for emergent readers to feel successful when they are reading.” ―YA and Kids Books Central

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Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award —Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, 2012

Elizabeth Spurr holds a degree in journalism from the University of Southern California. A former newspaper editor, she is the author of a number of children’s books. You can visit her website here.

Manelle Oliphant is a graduate of Brigham Young University-Idaho and an artist and illustrator. She lives in Utah. You can visit her website here.

“Oliphant’s soft drawings, which look to be a mix of watercolor and colored pencil, capture the flow of sand and water well… While the youngster was pleasingly more self-reliant and self-assured in previous offerings, his play and his interactions with the natural world continue to ring true.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“The gentle scenes are depicted in watercolor and pencil, with one or two words per page… This simple story will resonate with parents and children.” ―School Library Journal

“Simple language and evocative art tell a complete story, especially when the book is read while sitting on someone’s lap.” ―Hickory Ridge Reader

Elizabeth Spurr holds a degree in journalism from the University of Southern California. A former newspaper editor, she is the author of a number of children’s books. You can visit her website here.

Manelle Oliphant is a graduate of Brigham Young University-Idaho and an artist and illustrator. She lives in Utah. You can visit her website here.