What’s more fun for a child than playing in the dirt? Turning that activity into gardening, says author/illustrator team Stefan and Beverley Buczacki. In Young Gardener, the Buczackis take a green, organic, environmentally friendly approach to an activity they show can be enjoyed year-round. The idea is hands-on gardening that combines useful information with fun projects that can be done by children, alone or with adults. Aimed at young readers with gardens large or small, plain backyards, or simply indoor potted plants, Young Gardener is based on seasons, with sections devoted to early, middle, and late parts of each season. For example, spring gives the opportunity to sow seeds indoors — in the house or a greenhouse — and transfer them outside when they’re hardy enough to survive. The authors also discuss wildlife and conservation issues, such as bats, mice, and even mysterious creatures like voles. Written in simple language and illustrated throughout with color photographs and black-and-white illustrations, Young Gardener captures children’s imaginations and excites their enthusiasm for the natural world outside — or even inside — their back door.