Anywhere Farm

“You can grow your own farm anywhere” is the empowering message of this inclusive picture book...The neighborhood scenes add to the sense of community-building reinforced here. This picture book will be especially beneficial for school units on plants and seeds and for library storytimes with a spring or gardening theme.

The text focuses on the titular concept of an "anywhere farm," without differentiating between farms and gardens, but this conceit is part of the amusing, rollicking tone. Detailed, soft-focus illustrations in mixed media use an autumnal palette of muted green, peach, and tan...This pleasant look at gardening in a city setting reflects a growing trend.

Karas’s (A Hat for Mrs. Goldman) smudgy mixed-media art warmly shows a community coming together as citizens young and old join in, building to the unveiling of a neighborhood garden/market. It’s a cheery celebration of community and the hands-on joys of gardening.

This picture book beautifully blends effortless rhyming text with soft-hued mixed-media illustrations to encourage young gardeners to start growing something—anywhere...The ending suggests that all it takes is one farmer and one anywhere farm to encourage other gardeners—which just might result in a community everywhere farm. A great read-aloud for aspiring gardeners and farmers.

The diverse cast features a variety of skin colors as well as an infant-toting dad, a man in a wheelchair, and a bunch of pets; the group includes active children, old people content just to sit in a chair in the sunshine, and everyone in between. Inspiring and empowering; friendly and inviting.

Such a treasure is Phyllis Root...In her latest, told in kicky rhyme, she celebrates the simple joy of planting a seed anywhere and watching it grow.