Who would write a book about weeds?
The other night, my SBB Sarah and I went to visit author Cindy Jenson-Elliott at a book signing for her new picture book Weeds Find a Way (Beach Lane Press, 2014). We caught Ms. Jenson-Elliott just as she was near the end of her story and were able to listen in on the questions posed by the children in the audience. One question that stood out was:
“Why did you write a book about weeds? Why not flowers or something?”
While this question received a few chuckles from the adults in the audience. I thought that Ms. Jenson-Elliott’s subject matter was brilliant. If you search the bookshelves in a bookstore or library you will no doubt find tons of books written about flowers or animals, but I can guarantee you will not find a large number of books written about weeds.
As authors we are constantly striving to find a new subject to write about or an interesting or different way to present it. A book about the tenacity of weeds is just such a book. We are also urged to write about what we know and Ms. Jenson-Elliott has tremendous experience with the outdoors and gardening.
The spare and lyrical text is enhanced by Carolyn Fisher’s beautiful illustrations. This lovely non-fiction book would be a great addition to any classroom library. The back matter includes a list both identifying and offering further facts about the plants pictured in the book.
If you’d like to learn more about Ms. Jenson-Elliott or to get a curriculum guide for the book be sure to check out the author’s site.
Happy Reading,
Suzanne Santillan
Writing on the Sidewalk
Writing on the sidewalk 
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