Dig Into 'The Soil in Jackie's Garden' with Feeding Minds Press

Thomas: It's a cumulative story that celebrates all the critters in the soil that help this little girl, Jackie, and her garden grow. When it's time to harvest, Jackie and her friends become part of the soil cycle and the plant's life cycle by putting all their scraps back in the compost pile to make more healthy soil.

Thomas: I've always loved soil, and I've always thought that kids should be more connected to nature and the outdoors, and I always wished that kids enjoyed digging in the ground like I did. But it really didn't start to come together until I came up with the idea of using that structure of 'The House That Jack Built,’ because suddenly, I realized that's the perfect vehicle to show that everything really does begin and end with good, healthy soil.

Thomas: I hope that kids will just decide to explore some more, find out what's underneath the ground. Pick up a worm. Don't be squeamish. Maybe convince their parents to start a compost pile in the backyard and realize that there's so much more out there that's so fascinating, and hopefully, maybe start their own garden.