Inch By Inch: The Garden Song

In 1975, folksong writer David Mallett wrote that infinitely catchy song "Inch By Inch". Children world-round have undoubtedly heard this product in one form or another. Whether it was John Denver on "The Muppet Show" (whee!) or in their preschools, "Inch By Inch" is, suffice it to say, well-known. Fast-forward to 1995 and David Mallett goes the next logical step. Whether he intended it or not, "Inch By Inch" is primarily sung to children. And when you've a catchy and popular children's song under your belt, why not make it into a picture book? Not all folksongs work as children's books (I've yet to see a well-done "Turn Turn Turn" or "Kumbiyah" though infinite books carry those songs) but "Inch By Inch" is that rare exception that when it works, WORKS! "Inch by inch / row by row / gonna make this garden grow / All it takes is a rake and a hoe / and a piece of fertile ground". Sing along! You know the tune! Going through a variety of verses, we see a cheery child (possibly a boy, possibly a girl) doing some gardening. The kid, faithful pup in tow, hoes the ground, plants seeds, pulls weeds, and removes stones. The weeds and stones are amusingly huge, but the exaggeration works. Though black crows threaten, the crop is full and hearty. In the back of the book is the sheet music and lyrics for the original song itself. Illustrator Ora Eitan is thus far best known for "Bunnies" books, like "Astro Bunnies" and "Cowboy Bunnies". Here, Eitan's distinctive style serves the book well. The pictures are both simplistic and mildly detailed. There's a great deal of fun at work here and it would take a hard-hearted child indeed not to want to grow something of their own after a reading. There is one picture in the book that's a little out of whack though, not to say mildly disturbing. With the lines "we are made of dreams and bones / Feel the need to grow my own / 'cause the time is close at hand" we see child and dog at the base of a treee, watering it. On this two-page vertical spread a dog, identical to the one below, flies about the top of the tree's boughs on a pair of thin green wings. Reading the words and seeing the picture you have to make one of two assumptions: either this is a dream of the dog below (who is not even remotely asleep) or the dog is dead. The dog doesn't reappear for some time after this picture which would seem to back up this theory, but at last it ends up on the final page with the kid. If Eitan's making a statement of some sort with this illustration, it's foggy at best. Otherwise, a fine fine book. Parents adore this title, especially when they can remember the tune. Vocally gifted or tuneless as a tank, it really doesn't matter. The book's just a great little addition to anyone's garden centered storybook collection. Consider pairing it with David Small's, "The Gardener" or Crockett Johnson's, "The Carrot Seed", the next time you get a chance to do a summer storytime.

I reconnected with this song after hearing John Denver sing it on a recently released 'Muppet Show' DVD. It's a song that I have enjoyed sharing with my 2 year old daughter and the book brings the lyrics to life. The illustrations are beautiful and well reflect the lyrics. The book is a staple must-read for us throughout the day and is essential at bedtime (Mom, sing the garden song again!). Several children's cds have this recording by other artists, but my favorite by far is the John Denver.

If you know the tune thats great, if you don't, the book willsing to you! Children will choose this book over and over for the BIGillistrations, the large print and this book is fun.