Mrs. Spitzer’s Garden
Written By: Edith Pattou
Illustrated by: Tricia Tusa
Harcourt Books $12.95

For those of you looking to give your child’s elementary school teacher a unique gift, this charming picture book will fit the bill. Each year, at the end of summer, Mr. Merrick, the principal, gives Mrs. Spitzer a packet of seeds. When the soil is just right, Mrs. Spitzer carefully plants the seeds. All year long, she tends to her garden, providing the plants with all of the care they need: water, sunlight, weeding and more. As the seeds sprout, she gives them room to grow, knowing all the while that every plant, is different. Some grow fast, some take a little longer, some are bold and showy while others are quiet. In the end, all of the plants grow into the most beautiful creations on Earth.

The author has brought to light a beautiful analogy between students and plants. Given the proper care, nourishment and environment, both our plants and our students will grow to their full potential. The influence a primary school teacher has on the life of a young child is so far-reaching that we are lucky, in this magnificent country, to be blessed with so many Mrs. Spitzers.

The watercolour illustrations that adorn the pages of this exquisite story are a perfect match. They are soft yet full of detail and make you smile just to look at them.