Darla and Everett Grow Something Beautiful begins with two characters feeling rather isolated and alone. Everett has just moved, and Darla's friend has just moved away. Each of the main characters turn to their love of gardening to cheer themselves up and distract themselves from their feelings of loneliness. They study seeds and plants and dream of the wonderful new plants they can grow. Darla even develops the wonderful notion to name each of her plants-- simply to show how much she loves and cares for each of them. Eventually, their gardening pulls Darla and Everett together to work in unison as a team and each learns that gardening truly can reverse their isolation and loneliness by building a friendship.

Jonathan D. Voss has written a whimsical children's picture book showing the wonder of gardening and how children should be allowed to follow their own daydreams. This book poignantly describes how innovation and a love of nature can allow children to attain goals and explore new ideas. Courage, patience, and friendship are key values shared through this delightful story.

A wonderful celebration of friendship, time in nature, and finding connections in surprising places.

We have enjoyed reading this beautiful story again and again. My older children especially loved the funny commentary throughout the book, including “Fact: flying hats are very hard to catch.”

This sweet story reinforces that with time and effort, wonderful things can blossom.

With thanks to Two Lions, Jonathan D Voss and NetGalley for this e-ARC to read and review.

This book would make a wonderful addition to any school, home or local library.

A sweet book about loss, gardening, and friendship. I definitely recommend this for any kids that like gardening, or to any whose best friend just moved away.

This book celebrates the small victories, the better tomorrows.

This was a cute book with a nice message about finding positives/creating opportunities for joy in times of change, that I believe could help some kiddos. I liked the illustrations. 3.75/5

I really loved this book! As someone who grew up moving around a lot, I was able to connect with the characters and reflected on a time where I was in their shoes. The illustrations are so beautiful and I love how bright and colorful everything was! This is great book for kids during story time! 5/5