Following, is another introduction - to the people
and animals that appear in the story, so the characters are easily recognised.
Stephen Michael King’s Homegrown, Book 2 in the Blueberry Farm series, is typical of his immersive approach to his subject and themes.
Henna, Ziggs and Moe, enjoy the company of all their animal friends on Blueberry Farm.
Delicate illustrations decorate each page as the story weaves its way through the year.
Each season promises its own individual excitement.
Warm weather welcomes dips in the creek for those happy to get wet. And there
are the yummy blueberries that colour the mouth and tongue of all the grateful
eaters.
Winter brings other joys of dried leaves that crunch as they crush underfoot while everyone on the farm seeks warm covering.
Wet days demand umbrellas and lots of splashing.
It is the season that seeds are planted, some deep,
some shallow, for progress depending on their growth patterns, that will bring new, homegrown plants
to the children at the Farm.
They wait and watch for progress.
There are lots of lessons for children to learn here about what each season offers. The results of growing their own food as expressed in the illustrations, will hopefully encourage little ones to try growing their own seeds and eating more homegrown produce.
King’s carefully chosen prose, conveys fun, movement outdoors, friendship, and love of the earth and its gifts.
Title: Blueberry Farm: Homegrown
Author/Illustrator: Stephen Michael King
Publisher: Scholastic, $ 24.99
Publication Date: 1 February 2024
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761205651
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book