Timo's Garden [Hardcover]

At first, the Great, Green Garden Tour sounds like a lot of fun. Before long, though, young rabbit Timo starts to find that its a lot of pressure. Can he really call his garden great? Maybe it needs one little change&or a few& or a lot.Anxious to make his garden measure up, Timo forgets to take time out for anyone else. Luckily, his friends know just how to remind him of the value of being there for others: by being there for him when he needs it most.In musical prose filled with word play and whimsy, Victoria Allenby invites young readers to come along as Timo sets to work with a skip and a song, meets trouble with a sniff and a sigh, and triumphs with a smile thats as bright as the sun. Dean Griffiths charming illustrations are both classic and fresh, infusing each animal character with personality and life. Complete with an illustrated glossary of flowers, this beautifully-designed early reader might just be worthy of the word great.In reading the book aloud, the wordcraft of the author becomes more pronounced; Allenby's use of consistent alliteration and internal rhyme throughout Timos Garden adds to the enjoyment of reading it.The text is simple enough for beginning readers for the most part, but does incorporate just the right amount of more challenging words to hone sounding-out skills. In addition, the use of some consistent rhyming text, alliteration, and onomatopoeia, adds whimsy and a lyrical tone to the story, a rarity among chapter books. Highly recommended.Each chapter is accompanied by colorful and detailed illustrations helping readers follow character and plot. [Timo's Garden] provide[s] just the right amount of excitement and suspense to keep readers engaged. Timo and his friends are sure to become favorites!Timo's Garden...will speak to any reader who might get too wrapped up in seemingly important endeavors....Endearing creatures, vibrant flowers, and brilliant garden designs will transport readers to a storybook world in which friends arl“ä