Lovely and meaningful book on racism and colonialism. A bit of a Devil's Dictionary in that each entry is not simply A=Apple. Definitely not a book to read without a grain of salt, will provide teachable moments with kiddos.

This is a picture book for adult readers who are interested in Black and Diaspora history connected to plants. It combines art, history, gardening and the study of nature through its' words and illustrations. Through plants, the book explores the violent history of U.S. and European settlement on Indigenous lands and with Black people. It also makes global connections to the history of the plants. This is definitely a dynamic duo between famous author Jamaica Kincaid and famous artist Kara Walker. This is a unique book of illustrations and history that tells a story through the common plants known in our culture today.

Happy to include this title in my recent thematic round-up “The Root of It,” highlighting spring’s top gardening-related for the Books section of Zoomer, Canada’s national culture magazine. (see column and mini-review at link)

A thoughtful and thought-provoking reflection on plants (A-Z) and their colonial history. This was heartbreaking and beautiful. Jamaica Kincaid's writing is always powerful but paired with Kara Walker's beautiful illustrations, her writing came to life. This is a book that I imagine shines in its physical form.

"An Encyclopedia of Gardening for Colored Children" is a delightful journey into the world of gardening, told through the eyes of a young protagonist. Kincaid's storytelling is vibrant and engaging, inviting readers of all ages to explore the wonders of nature. With beautiful illustrations and heartfelt narration, this book is a charming addition to any library. Whether you're an avid gardener or simply appreciate a good story, you'll find joy in the pages of this enchanting tale.

An Encyclopedia of Gardening for Colored Children is an informative book that provides sharp analysis of a wide array of plants. Jamaica Kincaid provides background of many histories of plants in relation to colonialism and the slave trade. I learned a lot about many of the plants highlighted in the book.

I wasn’t expecting as much of the references to Christianity and the Garden of Eden, which seemed to be a recurring theme in the book. In addition, although I truly liked many of the illustrations, there were quite a few that didn’t quite align with the writing about that specific plant, or seemed a bit unfinished.

Not sure what to expect, I went into this book excited to see the words of one of my favourite writers, Jamaica Kincaid, and the illustrations of an artist I respect, Kara Walker. I was delighted on the one hand, and very disappointed on the other.

The text is grimly, wonderfully snarky (although, truly, is it snark if it’s true?). My favourite is on Wordsworth’s I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud:

This poem became canonical in the education of children who were subjects of the British Empire. For the most part, these children were native to places where a daffodil would be unable to grow and so would never be seen by them.

because of course I learnt that poem as a child and ongoing project of the British Empire, and can still recite parts of it. I’ve never seen a daffodil 🥲

However. Sadly. Walker’s distinctive cut-paper silhouettes, the style I know her for, are only on the cover :((( Inside, the illustrations are all watercolour, and not the kind of watercolour I like. So that was a real letdown for me.

Still. This is brilliant for what it is: satire presented as a children’s book, a kind of gothic nursery book. I haven’t read anthying like this before; it’s wonderfully, refreshingly original, particularly because it turns the usual perspective on its head. Pick it up for this, and delight in it as I did.

Thank you to Farrar, Straus and Giroux and to NetGalley for early access.

I wanted to read this book as an adult because I admire Kara Walker (and her studio) who illustrated this startlingly unique book. Connecting the role plants played in colonisation, subjugation and the history of stripping the land of its original purpose and relationship to man is at the centre of this Encyclopedia. The unequivocal, voice of an elder, distilling the disturbing into storytelling was compelling. I am not convinced I know who/what age this book is aimed at. Perhaps a parent, to start the conversation about lynching and the connection to a particular tree? It felt both too young and too old for children. But it also is a story that needs to be told.

Stunning, and thought provoking!!! An Encyclopedia of Gardening for Colored Children, by Jamaica Kincaid is a beautifully written and illustrated book for children of all ages (adults can learn a lot from this book as well)! While young children learn about the alphabet, and plants. Older children will learn more about the colonisation of North America, and some of the consequences to native peoples, and those who were kidnapped and forced into slavery. This book should be in the classroom.

As US community farming spaces are increasingly occupied by well-meaning white guys perpetuating colonialist tropes under gentler mantles like “profit-sharing” and “living wage” without questioning why they’re self-appointed authorities on the foodways of others, the world NEEDED this book. Jamaica Kincaid's writing is always fluid and stunning. It is informative and captivating to read her on the histories of various plants and vegetables, with interwoven layers of poetry and consistently heartbreaking colonial context adding to the facts. Can’t wait to hold a copy in my hands and see Kara Walker’s illustrations in person. An important book.

This was a beautiful and often gut wrenching read. Told in a matter-of-fact, authoritative voice, Jamaica Kincaid (love her writing!) runs through an alphabet of plants, fruits, grains, and gardening accoutrements, and their respective colonial histories.

It was interesting to realize and remember the fraught histories of products as simple as tobacco, or apples. I couldn't help but highlight phrases as I read, because some were too poignant to forget. Kara Walker's art supports and uplifts the entries, underscoring the emotional impact of the text. However, I would love to see the finished book in person, to get the full impact of the images.

Both an art piece and an indictment of colonialism, I think this should be a welcome addition to any bookstore's stock.