Vegetable Dreams: Huerto Sonado

by: Dawn Jeffers; Illustrated by Claude Schneider

Published by: Raven Tree Press (August 2006 Release)

Reviewed by Sharon Broom

Erin dreamed of a vegetable garden. A garden filled with tomatoes, corn and carrots. She asked her parents if she could plant one filled with scrumptious vegetables. But her parents thought she was too young to care for it by herself.

Erin was sad and told Mr. Martinez of her dream. He offered to give her part of his garden if her parents gave permission and if she took care of it. Erin's parents agreed to the plan and Erin and Mr. Martinez planted, cultivated and harvested their bounty. As the summer progressed the two strangers drank lemonade, told stories and enjoyed each other's company.

At the end of the growing season, Erin realized that growing a garden was fun but learning new things and making new friends was really the 'magic' of the garden.

Vegetable Dreams: Huerto Sonado is a nice story told in Spanish and English. I suspect there will be many children wanting to plant a garden after reading Dawn Jeffers' book.

Armchair Interviews says: A wonderful spring addition to a child's library.