Kari Percival's illustration style is rooted in the woodcuts she's been carving and printing for more than two decades. Kari is a 2017 recipient of the New England SCBWI Four-by-Four Mentorship. She earned a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a Master's in Education and Environmental Science from Antioch University. Ecology has always been her favorite topic to teach, whether in the classroom or in the community garden. Kari lives with her husband and two children just outside Boston near a magical waterfall. On rainy days, she can be found rescuing earth worms out of puddles (because she just can't walk by when they are wiggling for help).

Springtime Positioning: For parents and caregivers looking for opportunities to get their little ones outdoors, this book is a great place to start.

Environmentally Conscious Messaging: Depicting and encouraging hands-on experiences in the garden teaches respect for the Earth without feeling preachy.

Empowerment Through Play: By featuring a cast of curious children playing and planting in the garden, this book instills confidence in readers to explore the outdoors at their own pace.

A Resource for Picky Eaters: Children who spend time in the garden growing their own produce feel a strong sense of pride in what they've created, developing a relationship with the food harvested. This text uncovers the magic of growing and eating one's own crops and can spark veggie curiosity in picky eaters.

Authentic Creator: With a Master's in Environmental Science, a background in teaching, and experience leading a local preschool community garden, author/illustrator Kari Percival creates text and art that not only informs, but is flawlessly crafted to engage and delight this young audience.

Organic Art Style: Created using digital woodcuts, Kari's "stamped" art feels as natural as gardening itself. With a farmers'-market vibe, her vibrant color palatte featuring tones of luscious greens immeadiately transports readers to a sunny spring day.