Wonder in the Garden - by Talia Aikens-Nuñez Hardcover

Book Synopsis

Vibrant illustrations brings to life a day full of fun for a little girl and her dog as they play--and cause a ruckus--in their wondrous family garden.

Nina loves spending time in her family's garden, and so does her dog, Nube. They delight in all the wonders found growing there and all the spectacular colors--roja, naranja, verde, amarillo, morado. But mostly they just love to play, as it's the perfect place for a game of hide-and-seek with its tall corn and enormous leafy veggies. It's also a place to have the best al fresco meals with Nina's loving extended family. Exuberant text sprinkled with Spanish and vivid, energetic art that captures the garden in all its glory make this the perfect book for celebrating the bounty of our gardens and the joy of spending a day there, learning, laughing, and lending a helping hand!

Review Quotes

"An abundant family garden proves a joyful playground for a child in this bighearted picture book. Donning a wide yellow hat and matching boots, little Nina goes outside--"¡Hola, jardín!"--accompanied by Nube the dog. The whole familia pitches in to tend the garden. . . . Nina and Nube also manage to fit in some playtime. . . . At last it's time for dinner, and everyone gathers at the table--outside, naturally. The day ends with this loving Latine family laughing and eating together. Aikens-Nuñez peppers Spanish words and phrases throughout her energetic, succinct text, cued by a brief glossary that preps readers before the fun even begins. She repeatedly pairs specific phrases with their Spanish counterparts in an effective learning rhythm. . . . Freitas' effervescent artwork depicts an Edenic paradise, with plentiful curved line work accentuating Nina and Nube's exuberant playtime. . . . A lovely reminder that the whole world can be a garden." --Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Talia Aikens-Nuñez (KidsLitByTalia.com) also wrote the picture books Small Nap, Little Dream; Colors of the Sun and Moon: Colores del Sol y de La Luna; and Escucha Means Listen. Raising a bilingual child inspired her to write multicultural children's books. Talia's family loves nature so much that she and her husband vowed that they will always try to live close to water. She and her family live in Connecticut with a little pond.

Irena Freitas (IrenaFreitas.com) has illustrated numerous picture books, including It Took Two Wishes (by Edwina Wyatt) and Thoughts Are Air (by Michael Arnd). An author and illustrator working for clients internationally in Manaus, Brazil, she has an MFA in Illustration from Savannah College of Arts and Design and loves illustrating people, funny situations, and whimsical stories. When she isn't reading and illustrating books, she likes to travel and visit new places.