Illustrated by Paola Escobar / Published by 
A bountiful celebration of community, teamwork, and gardening from bestselling author Ruth Spiro and award-winning artist Paola Escobar.
A child and a seedling find themselves at home in their local urban community garden. With the help of firefighters, chefs, shopkeepers, and many more members of their community, they grow alongside the flowers, vegetables, friendships, and more all summer long, together.
Young readers and gardeners will also love the backmatter with fun facts about the produce grown in the story.
Awards & Lists for Growing Together
Reading is Fundamental/Rally to Read 100 – Barnes & Noble Featured “Sustainability” Book
Reviews for Growing Together
“Ruth Spiro’s lyrical words put the science of gardening in an appealing, simple to understand, story about community gardening. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading with children.” —American Community Gardening Association
“A sunny celebration of community, teamwork, and cooperative gardening along with its delectable rewards.” —Kirkus Reviews
“This warm and inviting picture book reimagines gardening not as a solitary pastime but as a joyful act of community. Told in gentle, upbeat rhyming text, it highlights how a shared garden becomes a place where neighbors connect, learn from one another, and work side by side.” —Booklist
“Gardening feels like a party in Escobar’s bountiful digital drawings…a picture of plenty that vibes well with Spiro’s peppy lines.” —Publishers Weekly
“An exceptional portrayal of a community’s commitment to nurturing their garden and one another. Rhyming and gentle, the story demonstrates that like the sunflower sprout, the community garden is a place for everyone, where a child’s contributions are valued.” —School Library Journal
“Growing Together” is a thoroughly charming picture book celebration of community, teamwork, and gardening… a welcome and prized addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library Gardening themed picture book collections for children ages 4-8.” —Midwest Book Review
“This is a fun, colorful book to increase participation in community activities and learn about the life cycles of plants.” —Story Monsters Ink