Anywhere Farm - by Phyllis Root

About the Book

-You might think a farm means fields, tractors, and a barnyard full of animals. But you can plant a farm anywhere you like: a box or a bucket, a boot or a pan--almost anything can be turned into a home for green, growing things. Windows, balconies, and front steps all make wonderful spots to start---Amazon.com.

Book Synopsis

For any anywhere farm, here's all that you need: soil and sunshine, some water, a seed.

You might think a farm means fields, tractors, and a barnyard full of animals. But you can plant a farm anywhere you like! A box or a bucket, a boot or a pan -- almost anything can be turned into a home for green, growing things. Windows, balconies, and front steps all make wonderful spots to start. Who knows what plants you may choose to grow and who will come to see your new garden? Phyllis Root delivers a modern rhyming mantra for anyone hoping to put their green thumbs to good use, while G. Brian Karas's cheerful urban illustrations sprout from every page. After all, anywhere can be a farm -- all it takes is one small seed and someone to plant it.

Review Quotes

"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.
--School Library Journal (starred review)

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.
--Kirkus Reviews

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.
--Publishers Weekly

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.
--Booklist

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.
--The Horn Book

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.
--Star Tribune

This would be a nice read aloud to kick off a unit on seeds and plants, particularly in communities where green space is not common, and would be a fun book for budding gardeners everywhere.
--School Library Connection

About the Author

Phyllis Root is the author of a wide range of picture books, including Creak! Said the Bed, illustrated by Regan Dunnick; One Duck Stuck, illustrated by Jane Chapman; and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award winner Big Momma Makes the World, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. Phyllis Root lives in Minneapolis.

G. Brian Karas has illustrated more than ninety children's books, including Tap Tap Boom Boom by Elizabeth Bluemle and the Ant and Honey Bee series by Megan McDonald. He lives in New York's Hudson Valley.