Here on the edges of Lake Michigan, it seemed forever before the brown of spring gave way to the green of summer. Mortimer the Mouse, felt the same way, too. He longed for green, but was surrounded by so much brown. In Mortimer’s First Garden, by Karma Wilson, Mortimer learns that if he plants his last sunflower seed, it just might grow some green.

The first Mortimer book I read has become one of my favorite children’s Christmas books, so I was excited to read Mortimer’s First Garden. This tale of watching a garden grow shows the value of waiting and the joy of harvest. I also like how Karma Wilson weaves in nuggets about God in a simple, non-preachy way.

Little Mortimer just wants his garden to grow, like so many gardeners, but patience is hard. How many children – and adults! – feel the same way? Mortimer’s waiting pays off and he discovers not just the green he was hoping for, but the miracle of a garden harvest.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to help their children appreciate waiting for something. It is also great for parents who would like to teach their children how prayer is also a part of the waiting process. All in all, Mortimer’s First Garden is a great example of how putting aside instant gratification can yield amazing results.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I checked this book out of the library for personal use. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”