Henry Cole (1) (1955–)

Independent Reading Level: PK-3

A twist on the classic cumulative tale, "The House that Jack Built." In this story, we progress forward time as the garden that Jack plants sprouts, grows, blossoms, and attracts birds and insects. I like how this story clearly shows the steps in the timeline of how a garden grows.

Gr 1–3—Wordless, accessible, and eco-friendly all apply to this lovely invitation to one small gesture—reusing a
humble lunch bag—that, repeated over decades, holds the story of a boy's life, his family, his future. An economy of
line and storytelling sets this tale in a resilient, diverse America.

A pain of robins builds a nest and raises their young. Beautifully illustrated with pen and ink drawings with pops of robin's egg blue.