Reviews
Gr 1-3-Belle and Fred have a secret to their flourishing, bountiful garden-their "special formula fertilizer" is "a little of this, a smidge of that," or, actually, a generous helping of manure from the couple's recently adopted turkey. Buford is a benefit until the day Belle leaves for her annual birdhouse convention and local wild-turkey hens attempt to move in on the garden. With a "flip, a flop, and a flutter," dozens of them descend on the yard and avoid Fred's repeated attempts to persuade them to leave. Fans of White's Too Many Pumpkins (Holiday House, 1996) will appreciate the community-friendly inspiration that enables Fred to solve his dilemma. Bright watercolors wash over detailed illustrations of Belle's garden, the couple's house, and "casa Buford." A flurry of feathers with increasing numbers of turkey hens builds until birds and foliage begin to spill over illustration frames. Text moves readers forward with italicized first-person ruminations and the occasional "but then..." encouragement to turn the page. An engaging story with a delightfully appropriate final view of Buford's new roommate(s), this book is a welcome addition for all libraries.-Mary Elam, Learning Media Services Plano ISD, TX , Gr 1-3 ⿿Belle and Fred have a secret to their flourishing, bountiful garden⿿their ⿿special formula fertilizer⿿ is ⿿a little of this, a smidge of that,⿿ or, actually, a generous helping of manure from the couple⿿s recently adopted turkey. Buford is a benefit until the day Belle leaves for her annual birdhouse convention and local wild-turkey hens attempt to move in on the garden. With a ⿿flip, a flop, and a flutter,⿿ dozens of them descend on the yard and avoid Fred⿿s repeated attempts to persuade them to leave. Fans of White⿿s Too Many Pumpkins (Holiday House, 1996) will appreciate the community-friendly inspiration that enables Fred to solve his dilemma. Bright watercolors wash over detailed illustrations of Belle⿿s garden, the couple⿿s house, and ⿿casa Buford.⿿ A flurry of feathers with increasing numbers of turkey hens builds until birds and foliage begin to spill over illustration frames. Text moves readers forward with italicized first-person ruminations and the occasional ⿿but then⿦⿿ encouragement to turn the page. An engaging story with a delightfully appropriate final view of Buford⿿s new roommate(s), this book is a welcome addition for all libraries.⿿Mary Elam, Learning Media Services Plano ISD, TX, Gr 1-3-Belle and Fred have a secret to their flourishing, bountiful garden-their "special formula fertilizer" is "a little of this, a smidge of that," or, actually, a generous helping of manure from the couple's recently adopted turkey. Buford is a benefit until the day Belle leaves for her annual birdhouse convention and local wild-turkey hens attempt to move in on the garden. With a "flip, a flop, and a flutter," dozens of them descend on the yard and avoid Fred's repeated attempts to persuade them to leave. Fans of White's Too Many Pumpkins (Holiday House, 1996) will appreciate the community-friendly inspiration that enables Fred to solve his dilemma. Bright watercolors wash over detailed illustrations of Belle's garden, the couple's house, and "casa Buford." A flurry of feathers with increasing numbers of turkey hens builds until birds and foliage begin to spill over illustration frames. Text moves readers forward with italicized first-person ruminations and the occasional "but then..." encouragement to turn the page. An engaging story with a delightfully appropriate final view of Buford's new roommate(s), this book is a welcome addition for all libraries.-Mary Elam, Learning Media Services Plano ISD, TX, Gr 1-3 Belle and Fred have a secret to their flourishing, bountiful gardentheir "special formula fertilizer" is "a little of this, a smidge of that," or, actually, a generous helping of manure from the couple's recently adopted turkey. Buford is a benefit until the day Belle leaves for her annual birdhouse convention and local wild-turkey hens attempt to move in on the garden. With a "flip, a flop, and a flutter," dozens of them descend on the yard and avoid Fred's repeated attempts to persuade them to leave. Fans of White's Too Many Pumpkins (Holiday House, 1996) will appreciate the community-friendly inspiration that enables Fred to solve his dilemma. Bright watercolors wash over detailed illustrations of Belle's garden, the couple's house, and "casa Buford." A flurry of feathers with increasing numbers of turkey hens builds until birds and foliage begin to spill over illustration frames. Text moves readers forward with italicized first-person ruminations and the occasional "but then…" encouragement to turn the page. An engaging story with a delightfully appropriate final view of Buford's new roommate(s), this book is a welcome addition for all libraries.Mary Elam, Learning Media Services Plano ISD, TX
