Do you like plants? I like plants. Now, plants on the other hand, they probably don’t like me. I had problems keeping a cactus alive. Not to mention a few of my faux plants have seen better days. But I will read books about plants and people who like plants instead. Like in Leif’s Gift by Michael Wang and illustrated by Lenny Wen. Read via an online reader, this book due in June 2025 is one you will want to preorder now as it will become a favorite of yours and child.
Leif loves plants. They keep collecting them, and filling their room. But one day his watering can goes missing. Then something else and finally his pet turtle. Now, just taking care of them and knowing which ones to keep away from his pet is not enough. Now things are really crazy. But he couldn’t give any of them up! What is he to do? We, the adult reader, know that he will find a solution, and find a way to spread the love of plants. But this is a good story with a “mystery element” without really being a mystery.
The art of Wen is really where things get good (or at least for me, and I really enjoyed the story). The images are busy (plants like to take over things, if you take care of them properly) and they are colorful (well Leif’s room does have a lot of green to it..). They are nice, cozy, fun, a little humorous and really capture the moment. There are several extras as well that can help your own budding plant lover.