A review by mldavisreads
Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth by Mary McKenna Siddals

informative inspiring lighthearted

• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Picture book.  This is a cute book told in an alphabetical recipe form showing what can be added to compost stew.  It has a good rhythm to it, with a loose sing-song rhyme.  I like that it includes both things that are more common in compost such as bananas and grass clippings, but also includes things such as hair snippings and dryer lint.  The recycled paper illustrations seem particularly apt for the subject matter.  Illustrations feature an assortment of skin tones and both boys and girls (and a dog and goose!)  It is true that the book doesn't necessarily tell what compost is or how to use it, but that can be explained before or after reading with no problem if needed. This book would work well for read-alouds or for home use when starting a new compost system.