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I LOVE Blueberries
32 pages, Hardcover
Published April 8, 2025
27 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Anderson
171 books58 followersShannon Anderson has taught for 25 years, from first grade through college level. Her career highlight was being named one of the Top 10 Teachers who inspired the Today Show.
She is an award-winning children's book author, TEDx speaker, certified brain coach, and frequent keynote speaker. She LOVES to do author visits and coach aspiring writers. You can visit her website at www.shannonisteaching.com to find out more!
She is an award-winning children's book author, TEDx speaker, certified brain coach, and frequent keynote speaker. She LOVES to do author visits and coach aspiring writers. You can visit her website at www.shannonisteaching.com to find out more!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 8, 2025
From the creators of I LOVE STRAWBERRIES!, a book I raved about in 2022, comes the much-anticipated sequel, I LOVE BLUEBERRIES! Jolie is starting another school year and is super excited about her teacher, Mr. Clover, and her new neighbor, Margot from Maine. When Jolie walks into her new classroom she sees Mr. Clover is growing strawberries in her classroom! Mr. Clover’s wife is the blueberry farmer who taught Jolie all about blueberries over the summer. She instantly has an idea.
In the same format as the previous book, Jolie shares facts about blueberries alongside her big project idea with Margot for their classroom. Through Jolie’s journal entries, kids will learn about blueberries and the steps it takes to grow them as well as how they are a super food for our bodies. In Mr. Clover’s class, Jolie learns about writing poems and he supports their excitement for their big classroom project. The illustrations of Jolie’s journal, Margot’s cute drawings, and their excitement about their project will encourage your child to create their own big project at home, at school, or maybe in their community.
Jolie learned to have patience because blueberry plants need time to grow in both cold and warm weather. They also don’t usually produce fruit in their first year and need to be transplanted after they grow a certain height. Jolie learned about hydroponics and the author shares how to start growing plants using hydroponics in your home or garden.
At the end of the story, Jolie offers a transplanted blueberry plant for her friend, Margot, who was transplanted to her neighborhood from Maine. Margot surprised Jolie with a jar of pickles made from her grandmother’s garden cucumbers. Jolie exclaims, “Wait, pickles are made from cucumbers? I LOVE pickles!” I think we have another story on the way!
In the same format as the previous book, Jolie shares facts about blueberries alongside her big project idea with Margot for their classroom. Through Jolie’s journal entries, kids will learn about blueberries and the steps it takes to grow them as well as how they are a super food for our bodies. In Mr. Clover’s class, Jolie learns about writing poems and he supports their excitement for their big classroom project. The illustrations of Jolie’s journal, Margot’s cute drawings, and their excitement about their project will encourage your child to create their own big project at home, at school, or maybe in their community.
Jolie learned to have patience because blueberry plants need time to grow in both cold and warm weather. They also don’t usually produce fruit in their first year and need to be transplanted after they grow a certain height. Jolie learned about hydroponics and the author shares how to start growing plants using hydroponics in your home or garden.
At the end of the story, Jolie offers a transplanted blueberry plant for her friend, Margot, who was transplanted to her neighborhood from Maine. Margot surprised Jolie with a jar of pickles made from her grandmother’s garden cucumbers. Jolie exclaims, “Wait, pickles are made from cucumbers? I LOVE pickles!” I think we have another story on the way!
April 9, 2025
Thanks to an up-beat format and energetic character, growing blueberries turns into a fun project for readers to try themselves.
Jolie is determined to grow blueberries and has a few plants sprouting in her window sill. When she's back in the classroom, she meets a new girl, whose family has worked with blueberries before. The two come together for a project and are especially excited when their teacher shows them the school's new hydroponic system. With their favorite pets by their sides, the two girls are in for a small, berry adventure.
These pages pack a couple of themes, which swirl around blueberry knowledge, friendship, poetry, and hydroponics. The plot itself is fairly straight-forward as the girls become friends, share knowledge, and do their best to work through things. Both are kind and excited about what they're doing, which comes across nicely. But it's the format which adds the needed spice to keep this one interesting. Written with decorative journal pages worked into the surrounding illustrations, Jolie's lively personality comes across clearly and invites in. This also offers a wonderful way to bring across the facts as she records everything going on. Not everything is on these journal pages, either. The regular character interactions still occur in usual style, and this mix keeps things interesting.
The illustrations are as lively as the girls and their pets, and let each scene do its thing. They bring across the information clearly, while keeping the atmosphere fun and light. This balances nicely with the facts surrounding growing blueberries and hydroponics as they mix into the story. While these pages offer the information and inspiration for a blueberry project readers can try themselves, the hydroponics will be undoable for most due to cost reasons. This is also mentioned in the tale as the teacher explains that the school could only afford it due to grants. Which reminds me that there are some ideas/topics mentioned in these pages, which might be above many readers' heads even with the short explanations in the book. So, added discussions on the side will most likely filter in too (a good thing!) There is also a bit of poetry tossed in to add a lyrical touch. I would suggest this for the upper end of the intended age group, simply because it packs quite a bit more than first appears.
In any case, this is a fun read, which holds energy and is great for introducing blueberry cultivation or giving the very first glance at hydroponics to a group or in an individual setting...while offering a charming tale about a forming friendship on the side.
Jolie is determined to grow blueberries and has a few plants sprouting in her window sill. When she's back in the classroom, she meets a new girl, whose family has worked with blueberries before. The two come together for a project and are especially excited when their teacher shows them the school's new hydroponic system. With their favorite pets by their sides, the two girls are in for a small, berry adventure.
These pages pack a couple of themes, which swirl around blueberry knowledge, friendship, poetry, and hydroponics. The plot itself is fairly straight-forward as the girls become friends, share knowledge, and do their best to work through things. Both are kind and excited about what they're doing, which comes across nicely. But it's the format which adds the needed spice to keep this one interesting. Written with decorative journal pages worked into the surrounding illustrations, Jolie's lively personality comes across clearly and invites in. This also offers a wonderful way to bring across the facts as she records everything going on. Not everything is on these journal pages, either. The regular character interactions still occur in usual style, and this mix keeps things interesting.
The illustrations are as lively as the girls and their pets, and let each scene do its thing. They bring across the information clearly, while keeping the atmosphere fun and light. This balances nicely with the facts surrounding growing blueberries and hydroponics as they mix into the story. While these pages offer the information and inspiration for a blueberry project readers can try themselves, the hydroponics will be undoable for most due to cost reasons. This is also mentioned in the tale as the teacher explains that the school could only afford it due to grants. Which reminds me that there are some ideas/topics mentioned in these pages, which might be above many readers' heads even with the short explanations in the book. So, added discussions on the side will most likely filter in too (a good thing!) There is also a bit of poetry tossed in to add a lyrical touch. I would suggest this for the upper end of the intended age group, simply because it packs quite a bit more than first appears.
In any case, this is a fun read, which holds energy and is great for introducing blueberry cultivation or giving the very first glance at hydroponics to a group or in an individual setting...while offering a charming tale about a forming friendship on the side.
March 29, 2025
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🫐 love to snack on blueberries
🪴 enjoying gardening
👩🏫 like to learn new things
🧒🏻 have a young reader
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Told through Jolie’s comical scrapbook-style journal entries and Margot’s creative sketchbook, young readers will learn how they create a plan and work together to not only grow blueberries but also develop a new friendship. This heartwarming story emphasizes the value of friendship, a theme that will resonate with young readers.
With the help of Jolie’s faithful rabbit, Munchy, and Margot’s dog, Pip, plans are underway to bring the whole class together to convince the community to help them set up a hydroponics growing station in their classroom. Filled with engaging facts about blueberries, hydroponics, poetry, and a heartwarming theme of friendship, I LOVE BLUEBERRIES is not just a delightful read, but also a valuable educational resource. It's a must-have for any bookshelf, promising to spark curiosity and promote learning.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was such a colorful and educational read! I absolutely love blueberries, so I enjoyed learning about how to grow them with the help of hydroponics, which I hadn’t really heard of before this. The information was well written, and I like that they include an educational website at the back so that you can learn more if you’re serious about starting your own hydroponics garden! I want to get book one, I LOVE Strawberries, and I look forward to the next book, which I assume will involve cucumbers and pickles!
🫐 love to snack on blueberries
🪴 enjoying gardening
👩🏫 like to learn new things
🧒🏻 have a young reader
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Told through Jolie’s comical scrapbook-style journal entries and Margot’s creative sketchbook, young readers will learn how they create a plan and work together to not only grow blueberries but also develop a new friendship. This heartwarming story emphasizes the value of friendship, a theme that will resonate with young readers.
With the help of Jolie’s faithful rabbit, Munchy, and Margot’s dog, Pip, plans are underway to bring the whole class together to convince the community to help them set up a hydroponics growing station in their classroom. Filled with engaging facts about blueberries, hydroponics, poetry, and a heartwarming theme of friendship, I LOVE BLUEBERRIES is not just a delightful read, but also a valuable educational resource. It's a must-have for any bookshelf, promising to spark curiosity and promote learning.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was such a colorful and educational read! I absolutely love blueberries, so I enjoyed learning about how to grow them with the help of hydroponics, which I hadn’t really heard of before this. The information was well written, and I like that they include an educational website at the back so that you can learn more if you’re serious about starting your own hydroponics garden! I want to get book one, I LOVE Strawberries, and I look forward to the next book, which I assume will involve cucumbers and pickles!
April 11, 2025
Shannon Anderson's I Love Blueberries is a delightful narrative that seamlessly blends the growing theme of friendship with a subtle yet impactful exploration of the nutritional virtues of blueberries and the innovative practice of hydroponic cultivation.
📌 A heartfelt thank you to Feeding Minds Press and Edelweiss for providing a digital ARC. My reflections herein are entirely my own, driven purely by genuine enthusiasm for this charming book.
The story unfolds through the charmingly distinct perspectives of Jolie, conveyed via her vibrant scrapbook-style journal entries, and Margot, expressed through her imaginative sketchbook. Together, they embark on a collaborative venture to cultivate blueberries, fostering a tender friendship in the process. I was enamored by the whimsical illustrations, which evoked a nostalgic yearning for the uninhibited creativity of childhood journaling. The dynamic interplay between Jolie's effervescent energy and Margot's composed determination creates a compelling narrative synergy.
The book's subject matter possesses a nuanced complexity, suggesting it will resonate most profoundly with the older side of its intended age demographic. Once young readers are able to understand big projects need more time and money than simple craft this book becomes a learning resource. The narrative's progression from a personal endeavor to a community-wide project is a particularly commendable aspect, underscoring the power of collaborative effort.
In essence, I Love Blueberries, adorned with Jaclyn Sinquett's enchanting illustrations, is a wonderful addition to both school and personal children's libraries aiding SEL and Learning about Food and Health!
📌 A heartfelt thank you to Feeding Minds Press and Edelweiss for providing a digital ARC. My reflections herein are entirely my own, driven purely by genuine enthusiasm for this charming book.
The story unfolds through the charmingly distinct perspectives of Jolie, conveyed via her vibrant scrapbook-style journal entries, and Margot, expressed through her imaginative sketchbook. Together, they embark on a collaborative venture to cultivate blueberries, fostering a tender friendship in the process. I was enamored by the whimsical illustrations, which evoked a nostalgic yearning for the uninhibited creativity of childhood journaling. The dynamic interplay between Jolie's effervescent energy and Margot's composed determination creates a compelling narrative synergy.
The book's subject matter possesses a nuanced complexity, suggesting it will resonate most profoundly with the older side of its intended age demographic. Once young readers are able to understand big projects need more time and money than simple craft this book becomes a learning resource. The narrative's progression from a personal endeavor to a community-wide project is a particularly commendable aspect, underscoring the power of collaborative effort.
In essence, I Love Blueberries, adorned with Jaclyn Sinquett's enchanting illustrations, is a wonderful addition to both school and personal children's libraries aiding SEL and Learning about Food and Health!
March 21, 2025
Jolie has had a blast growing strawberries, and now she's all about blueberries! With a little help from Mrs. Clover, a blueberry farmer, Jolie learned the magic of germinating blueberry seeds. When school kicked off, she was thrilled to see her teacher, Mr. Clover, cultivating strawberries right in the classroom using hydroponics. It was so impressive that Jolie couldn't help but want to grow her blueberries indoors too! Together with her best friend Margot, they put their heads together and came up with a fantastic plan to gather donations for their own hydroponic setup, and it turned out to be an amazing success!
This charming tale takes readers on a delightful journey into the wonders and joys of blueberries, filled with heartwarming storytelling and whimsical illustrations. Shannon Anderson beautifully blends engaging storytelling with educational insights, making the book perfect for both kids and grown-ups. The vibrant images and playful language spark imagination while sharing fun facts about this beloved fruit!
This charming tale takes readers on a delightful journey into the wonders and joys of blueberries, filled with heartwarming storytelling and whimsical illustrations. Shannon Anderson beautifully blends engaging storytelling with educational insights, making the book perfect for both kids and grown-ups. The vibrant images and playful language spark imagination while sharing fun facts about this beloved fruit!
February 19, 2025
In I Love Blueberries! the reader is introduced to the concept of hydroponic gardening and the possibility of growing blueberries indoors using the hydroponic method. The girl's teacher is already growing strawberries using this method; and it imbues the girls with a desire to investigate the method for blueberries, formulate a plan, gather supplies, and implement the activity.
In the background of the story, young Jolie has already begun her journey into blueberry cultivation by learning to germinate the plants from seeds in dirt-filled cups, watch them grown, and transplant them into the garden. A new girl is introduced in this story. Margot is a transplant from the northern state of Maine where blueberries are a major crop. Margot becomes a co-planner in the endeavor to grown blueberries.
This book deserves a place on the STEM bookshelf for readers ages 5 to 12.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
In the background of the story, young Jolie has already begun her journey into blueberry cultivation by learning to germinate the plants from seeds in dirt-filled cups, watch them grown, and transplant them into the garden. A new girl is introduced in this story. Margot is a transplant from the northern state of Maine where blueberries are a major crop. Margot becomes a co-planner in the endeavor to grown blueberries.
This book deserves a place on the STEM bookshelf for readers ages 5 to 12.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
January 11, 2025
How could one not fall in love with Jolie, the main character in I LOVE STRAWBERRIES, and her can-do spirit? Now she’s back with an all-new adventure, where we cheer her on as she takes on the challenge of growing blueberries! As in the first book, Jolie’s enthusiasm and determination are contagious, and this time, she shares her journey with a new friend, Margot, who has moved to the neighborhood from Maine. Margot misses her old home, but we’re treated to glimpses of both girls’ journals, enabling readers to witness not only the growth of the plants, but the blossoming of friendship. There’s even a bit of poetry sprinkled into this garden of delight! Author Shannon Anderson and illustrator Jaclyn Sinquett have truly created something special once again – highly recommend!
January 24, 2025
I am fortunate to have been granted access to an Advance Reader Copy of I LOVE BLUEBERRIES written by Shannon Anderson, illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett will grow a garden of ideas for all readers. Feeding Minds Press will release this adorable call-to-gardening-action on April 1 just in time for spring fever and reinvigorated gardening. Text in I LOVE BLUEBERRIES is delivered via a combination of colorful diary entries, notes, postcards, labeled diagrams, and active dialogue that all drive the plot and the learning throughout. The ending is super satisfying with a potential hint of potential future picture books about plants and gardening. It's a perfect topic for the Feeding Minds Press. I highly recommend this picture book for primary classrooms, libraries, and homes.
March 24, 2025
A lovely introduction to aquaponics in story format, complete with 2 main characters who both love to journal and draw. The journal entries throughout let you know a bit of what they are feeling and thinking as they learn about growing blueberries via aquaponics and then learn to raise money for their whole class to participate -- plus the drawings are just so fun, thanks to Jaclyn Sinquett's illustration skills. A berry farmer helps the kids learn about the health benefits of blueberries, too. The back matter makes it sound very doable to have a hydroponics system at home, though the text of the story made it clear that there are costs involved. Recommend for kids with even the barest inkling of interest in food or gardening!
April 29, 2025
I LOVE BLUEBERRIES by Shannon Anderson is the super fun and informative follow-up to I LOVE STRAWBERRIES. This time, Jolie applies her passion for learning to growing blueberries. Her new neighbor, Margot, gets involved, too. The main characters convince the community to help set up a hydroponic station to grow blueberries in their classroom.
Jaclyn Sinquett's illustrations are colorful, engaging, and detailed. This book has it all: friendship, STEM, journaling, sketching, problem-solving, and yummy blueberries. A surprising ending makes the reader wonder if book number three is on the horizon. I sure hope so! This book is a great addition to any home, school, or library bookshelf. I 100% recommend this delightful book!
Jaclyn Sinquett's illustrations are colorful, engaging, and detailed. This book has it all: friendship, STEM, journaling, sketching, problem-solving, and yummy blueberries. A surprising ending makes the reader wonder if book number three is on the horizon. I sure hope so! This book is a great addition to any home, school, or library bookshelf. I 100% recommend this delightful book!
January 10, 2025
What a fabulous sequel to Anderson’s I LOVE STRAWBERRIES. Once again, the spunky and optimistic main character, Jolie, brings her abundant enthusiasm for learning new things. Jolie chronicles everything about how to grow blueberries in her joyful journal, while also working on her growing friendship with a new neighbor. As with the first book, the story is chock full of charming wordplay and is accompanied by fabulously colorful and detailed illustrations. Anderson even somehow sneaks in examples of Jolie writing in different forms of poetry, like haiku and cinquains (!), providing inspiration to both young gardeners AND young poets. This book is an absolute treat!
January 12, 2025
In this follow-up story to "I Love Strawberries," Jolie and Margot collaborate to grow blueberries in their classroom. Shannon Anderson skillfully incorporates educational information, making this a fantastic book for the classroom. Not only does it serve as an excellent resource for science, STEM, and writing activities, but it also explores themes of friendship, moving, budgeting, healthy foods, and community. Jaclyn Sinquett's charming illustrations invite readers to delve into journal entries and fun details. The ending raises the question: will there be a third book?
February 12, 2025
I LOVE this follow up to I LOVE Strawberries. A fun and informative read that highlights how to grow blueberries while also growing a friendship and getting a team/community involved in a good cause. The illustrations give us a sneak peek into the journal and sketchbook of the two main characters. A fun way to highlight how they work through their challenges and celebrate their successes. A surprise twist ending leaves the reader wondering if there will be a new pickling project on the horizon!
April 8, 2025
What a brilliant story weaving together a science experiment, berries, and the kids not taking no for an answer - they just problem solved in a more creative way. I’m sorry to report I wasn’t invited to the blueberry bash, but it sure sounds delicious since blueberry muffins are my favorite. The illustrations are positively scrumptious! We loved learning about the health benefits of blueberries, too. An adorable book with many life lessons.
April 8, 2025
In this follow-up story to “I Love Strawberries”, new BFFs Jolie and Margot, work together to grow blueberries in their classroom. They overcome challenges by getting their class and community involved. Anderson’s text is paired beautifully to Sinquett’s lively and detailed illustrations! This story is loaded with fun facts as well as sprinkled with poetry. A STEM story that’s perfect for the classroom!
July 31, 2025
I Love Blueberries by Shannon Anderson, illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett is the perfect book to take into any primary classroom. Some of the topics that could be taught using I Love Blueberries as a springboard are: writing, cinquain poetry, geography, economics, agriculture, and some yummy cooking! I love how Shannon uses homonyms, made me smile. Jolie and Margot’s sweet friendship makes a perfect story.
December 30, 2025
Way too much going on in this book... too many different story threads and characters and it's not clear what is going on or where it's going, except BLUEBERRIES are involved. I just couldn't follow it and felt like I was lost in the first few pages. A pared-down story and single narrative thread would have worked much better to get the point across--highlighting useful and fun information about blueberries and a friendship story along the way.
January 5, 2025
This book connects on so many levels. Jolie's journey is about growing blueberries but also about friendship--a new girl named Margot has moved to town. I like how we peek into both Jolie and Margot's journals to break up the narrative. We also learn facts about germinating seeds and hydroponic growing. Overall, an uplifting and informative story that's sure to engage a wide range of readers.
January 7, 2025
"I LOVE Blueberries" is more than just a book about a girl who loves blueberries. She learns how to grow them, adding a STEAM theme to the book. Engaging illustrations will capture readers' attention. The story also shows the main character persevering and overcoming obstacles in her efforts to achieve her goal of growing blueberries.
April 10, 2025
I think this book was even better than the original, and you don't need to read "I Love Strawberries" first to enjoy this one. The jokes Jolie wrote in her mission notebook cracked me up. The story and illustrations were super engaging and funny, and as someone who teaches STEAM, I'm excited to read it during our hydroponics unit. The kids are going to love it!
April 30, 2025
I LOVE BLUEBERRIES is such a wonderful follow up to Shannon Anderson's I LOVE STRAWBERRIES. Jolie learns what it to takes to grow blueberries and get the whole community involved! It's a fun, educational read that children and adults will love. Sinquett's beautiful illustrations bring joy to Anderson's wonderful text.
May 15, 2025
This book is both, entertaining and educational, providing young readers with valuable insights into agriculture. The illustrations are visually striking, and the narrative is presented in a dynamic format that incorporates elements of notebook and sketchbook style, making the reading experience engaging and interactive.
June 13, 2025
This is a great sequel to I Love Strawberries and I'm impressed with the parallel storytelling that happens as we explore the journals of two friends while they try to grow blueberries in their classroom. Readers also get to learn more about hydroponics, poetry, and blueberries as well. The illustrations are gorgeous and colorful, full of character and energy.
July 2, 2025
A fun informational story about growing blueberries using hydroponics that will get kids excited about where their food comes from. The art is fantastic and the text uses journal entries alongside narrative text— great for older readers. Bonus— the text includes a few poetry structures as well! A cute follow-up to I Love Strawberries that’s as sweet as blueberries!
August 5, 2025
I Love Blueberries is a celebration of more than just fruit. Readers learn how to grow blueberries, and also learning about friendship, and ways to bring community together. Illustrations are bright, engaging, and pair well with the text. This is a fun, educational read-- great for the classroom or home.
January 4, 2025
I loved this book! Just as clever as I Love Strawberries with new learning opportunities. The illustrations are lovely and engaging with many sweet things to look at and discover. Perfect for every classroom and library.
January 4, 2025
This delightful story combines an engaging storyline, science information, and students exhibiting a growth mindset. The vibrant illustrations featuring notes and gardening tips pulls the story together. Highly recommended.
March 10, 2025
Wow, what an informational book about growing blueberries and hydroponics. Super fun to talk about STEM, but also about friendship and community. Science teachers grab your copies now. Teaching concepts through a fun story is the best way to go.
March 17, 2025
I love the artwork in this one! And I really appreciate the fact that the dog is leashed the only time it’s near the rabbit (yeah, all those inter species videos are cute, but they’re often dangerous).
June 9, 2025
An educational, sweet companion to I LOVE STRAWBERRIES! The joyful illustrations showcase a variety of different gardening terms, drawings, and handwritten notes that move the story along. A great fit for school and library audiences.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews