Mrs Spitzer's Garden by Edith Pattou illustrated by Tricia Tusa

This is a very touching story about the wonder of teaching 

and the far-reaching impact of a teacher. 

A wonderful gift to give.  A Book and Hug

I am just penning a short post tonight as I have been working all day in a school library where every book, yes every book, thousands and thousands of them, were tossed into over 50 boxes so that painting and new carpet could be completed. The packing of the books was not done systematically and so the Teacher-Librarian has had to manage the huge task of reinstalling the shelving, setting up new furniture, culling parts of the collection, managing classes (and book returns) and then sorting and shelving all of those endless piles of books. There were times when I thought we would never reach the end.

It is perhaps timely to mention Mrs Spitzer's Garden because at times, such as the one I have described here, it is easy to loose our teaching joy and to forget that most of what we do each day should be about the precious children.

At the start of each year the school principal gives Mrs Spitzer a packet of seeds. She plants the seeds and over the course of a year, with her care and nurturing, the seeds all grow.

"She knows that different plants need different things. And that each plant has its own shape. Some of the plants grow quickly, pushing upward, eager, impatient. Some grow more slowly, unfolding themselves bit by bit. ... And some need gentle care, a special watching-over."

Mrs Spitzer's Garden was first published in 2001 but it is such a special book it is still available (although here in Australia it is over $30). If you need a gift for a teacher this book would be perfect. You can see inside this book here. 

Mrs. Spitzer is a teacher in nursery school, much like the kindergarten teachers who initiate a child's foray into school life. But her students are unusual: they are seeds. Nevertheless, Mrs. Spitzer knows her job. She, with her experience, knows how to nurture each of the seeds. She works hard and prepares ground to allow their growth. She is a proficient gardener and knows exactly how to create a beautiful garden. Curled up Kids

A very loving book, a tribute really, to the teachers of the world and beyond them to all people who nurture children. Kirkus Star review

I just made another amazing discover. Tricia Tusa is the illustrator of a book by our Australian author Mem Fox: