MAXINE AND THE GREATEST GARDEN EVER

Best friends Maxine and Leo combine their maker and artistic skills to create (and save!) the ultimate garden in this empowering, STEM-focused picture book.

After sketching and plotting and planting, Maxine and Leo know they've made The Greatest Garden Ever! But they're not the only ones who think so. Soon, all sorts of animals make their way in, munching on carrots and knocking over pots. When Leo and Maxine can't agree on a way to get rid of these unwelcome critters, it looks like there's more on the line than saving their garden--they just might need to save their friendship too.

Key selling points:
- Perfect for STEM curriculum: The Maxine books are great to pair with classroom, library, or at-home maker projects.
- Try, Fail, and Try Again: Leo and Maxine have to own up to the mistakes they've made and learn from their failures to make something even better.
- Environmentalism in action: Kids will be motivated to make their own green spaces, and the book gives plenty of opportunities to talk about symbiotic relationships and being mindful of all aspects of nature--including animals.
- "I spy" art: Holly Hatam's textured, rich illustrations will delight readers as they seek and find the various collage elements hidden in the artwork.
- A well-connected author: Ruth Spiro has been fantastic about lining up events and getting the first book lots of exposure.

Ruth Spiro is the author of the popular Baby Loves Science series. She lives with her family in Chicago.
Holly Hatam is an illustrator and graphic designer whose work includes the #1 New York Times bestseller Dear Girl by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. She lives with her family in Toronto, Ontario.