Gardening books for children can be the seeds that start your children or grandchildren thinking about nature, wildlife, gardening, our mother earth, and so much more. If you are a gardener, most likely your children or grandchildren observe you in your garden and share in your garden pleasure. Kathyrn O. Galbraith has written over a dozen children's books for ages 4-8, which include valuable life lessons.

Kathryn O. Galbraith has a wonderful new children's book out now called, Planting the Wild Garden It is beautifully illustrated by talented artist, Wendy Anderson Halperin. I particularly like her whimsical raccoons.

A farmer and her boy, plant seeds in their garden, but in the wild garden many seeds are planted haphazardly by many kinds of creatures, elements of weather, and mother nature in general. Galbraith teaches us we are all connected to each other. We must respect mother nature and her creatures who are part of  the circle of life, too.

Last year Kathryn O. Galbraith wrote the children's book Arbor Day Square, illustrated by another talented artist, Cyd Moore. It is a touching children's story about the beginnings of Arbor Day, and the importance of planting trees. Kathryn O. Galbraith's Arbor Day Square won her a 2010 Parents' Choice Award.

Arbor Day Square has many life lessons to share with children, too.  A dusty prairie with no trees in the beginning, translates into it is up to you to make your own life and environment. You can make a difference in your community, and world. How planting the trees each year was a celebration and became a tradition. Cherish your family traditions, and community. Small trees, over time become large massive trees reaching towards the sky. One must have patience. The benefits of trees are many, and can be enjoyed and preserved for generations.

Kathryn O. Galbraith author's note at the back of her book is fascinating. The first Arbor Day was "first celebrated" in what is now the state of Nebraska on April 10, 1872. Over a million trees were planted that day. Arbor Day is now celebrated in all fifty states, and is even celebrated in many other countries around the world. For more information please visit, Arbor Day. This year's Arbor Day is Friday, April 29, 2011. Let us teach all of our children the importance of trees and our environment through special days like Arbor Day and Earth Day.

Encinitas Garden Festival is Saturday, April 30, 2011. For more information, please visit Encinitas Garden Festival