Sweet Silly George Shannon has a great new book of poems and riddles perfect for spring. Busy In The Garden has me raring to rake and boogie with some broccoli. My favorite poem would have to be the Zucchini one (forgive me for the lack of formatting--I'm still learning to blog):

Zucchini
meeny
miney
moe.
Plant a seed
and watch it grow.
Eeny
meeny
makes a lot.
Like a magic cooking pot.
Eeny
meeny
munch a lot.
Zucchini every meal-
you've got:
Zucchini bread.
Zucchini spread.
Zucchini casseroles.
Zucchini pies.
Zucchini fries.
Zucchini dinner rolls.
Zucchini juice.
Zucchini mousse.
Zucchini jam and scone.
Zucchini hash
and succotash.
Zucchini
meeny
miney
MOAN.

Moaning aside it makes me hungry for summer and my grandmother's famous Chocolate Chip Zucchini cake.
Apparently in Vermont there is a Zucchini festival that is tons of fun.

The illustrations are fun and joyous, too. Sam Williams's pencil and watercolor spots are full of warmth. His characters remind me of Helen Oxenbury's and a bit of Harry Bliss or early Maurice Sendak--the children are sweet and doughy but with a definite weight--I love a solid child with her feet firmly on the ground.

George is having a book party this Saturday at All For Kids Books in Seattle to celebrate Busy in the Garden. I plan on being there and hope you will come, too!