Nature Themed Books
UP IN THE GARDEN AND
DOWN IN THE DIRT
Written by Kate Messner
Illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal
Not in Allegheny County? Find your PA county library here.
Reviewed by Amy Jewitt:
This story follows a girl, working in a garden with her grandmother, through all the seasons. While they are taking care of their garden, the story highlights all the wildlife activity happening around them, in the plants and on the ground, and also hidden in the soil. At the back of the book is a short description of all the animals encountered in the book, and recommended further reading.
Amy Jewitt is the Invasive Species Coordinator for WPC and PA Natural Heritage Program
Amy serves as the Invasive Species Coordinator at the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program. Amy’s past experiences with both the Plum Pox Virus and Asian Longhorned Beetle eradication programs have made her a passionate advocate for raising awareness of the impacts invasive species have on the environment, economy, and human health and well-being.
Other Connections
Community gardens bring beauty and joy to residents around the region – please consider volunteering as a family to plant colorful annuals with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy: https://waterlandlife.org/community-flower-gardens/volunteer-at-a-community-garden/
Watch Kate Messner read her book, Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt here: https://youtu.be/Ig7hkJ0VitA