I was initially drawn to this book when I saw the title. Someone near and dear to me is named Everett, so I knew I just had to read it.
This was such a sweet book about children and their feelings. Darla's best friend has just moved away, and Everett just moved into a new house. Neither are happy about their current situations and are feeling sad until they come across a little plant near a stone wall. They both have an idea to grow a garden to help the little lonely flower feel not so alone by having other plant friends. This book showcases how gardening and being surrounded by nature can soothe the soul and help improve your mood. It's a great tool to teach children that sometimes getting your hands a little dirty and nurturing something outside can make your heart happy. When fall came and the gardens started to die, Everett and Darla finally met. My mom heart was so happy (and I'm not too proud to admit that I shed a tear). What a sweet and wonderful book about mourning the loss of your old home and a friend that moved away. This is an excellent book for both children and adults!

The artwork in this one was original and beautiful. The story itself was cute. It was about to lonely kids having gardens, eventually finding each other, and becoming best friends. The bigger message is about change, acceptance, and the saying, "When one door closes, another one opens." You never know what new things will come your way even when life throws big changes at you. Thank you to Two Lions and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

This is an amazing book teaching kids about both friendship and gardening. The story was so wonderful, but I especially loved the illustrations. As everyone knows, an illustrator can definitely make or break a children's book. I would definitely recommend this book and tell parents and educators to look for other books by Jonathan D. Voss, as well!

Sweet story about dealing with change and loss plus it’s planty!! Great illustrations would recommend for kids has great messages about making the best of things during change

Everett's family moves and arrive at that new house. He doesn't like it, feels sad. Next door to him there's Darla, heartbroken by the moving of her bestfriend. She's angry and alone. They both feel down. Until one day they come across a small plant, a small flower at the end corner of both their respective gardens.

"He didn't know much about flowers. But just then, an idea began to sprout."

Quite impressed by the unique, highly original style of the illustrations and the layout of the text in these pages. It's very different from what I am used to see in children's books these days. But very pleasantly surprised. It promised to be a unique read. The style a bit scrapbooky with the labels and collage-like, taped pieces of paper is fun. The emotions are so well conveyed just by the graphic style and drawing. The way the paint is applied to the canvas reflects so many emotions that don't need to be written or explained.

"In that very moment, a seed was planted.
It was a small seed.
But small things can grow."

We see a sweet friendship blossom between two children who felt sad, alone, and lost, ultimately soothed through the art of gardening, flowers, a connection with nature, and finally this new friend. A friendship born with a floral foundation.

I don't know exactly why, but it gave me vibes of... A bridge to Terabithia. (Well I know why but won't spoil you).

#DarlaandEverettGrowSomethingBeautiful #NetGalley.

BLUF: the story was absolutely perfect for our kiddos - we're in the middle of a move and the idea of having something beautiful and special potentially waiting for us "at the new house" has been a fantastic help. The illustrations just gorgeous! I'd buy these as paintings for our wallid that were a possibility!

(Full Review To Come!)

It’s really nice to see real artwork! The white text against the off-white background was almost impossible for me to read.

This is the story of Everett and Darla. Both are going through life changes and having a hard time. One day the each find a tiny flower and decide to plant it by a rock wall. The story goes on through the seasons each tending to their flower. This is a story of change and acceptance. I personally liked the illustrations they added a lot to the story.

I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.

Darla has lost her best friend and Everett has just moved to town in this beautifully illustrated picture book. They each find a flower in a rock wall and decide to grow a garden around it but they are each on their own sides and don't meet until fall when their gardens are leaving them but they learn how much they have in common and thrive together growing something even more beautiful.

Things I liked. The impressionists style art.

Things I didn’t. The switching back and forth between the two kids. The facts were also annoying.

Darla and Everett Grow Something Beautiful begins with two characters feeling rather isolated and alone. Everett has just moved, and Darla's friend has just moved away. Each of the main characters turn to their love of gardening to cheer themselves up and distract themselves from their feelings of loneliness. They study seeds and plants and dream of the wonderful new plants they can grow. Darla even develops the wonderful notion to name each of her plants-- simply to show how much she loves and cares for each of them. Eventually, their gardening pulls Darla and Everett together to work in unison as a team and each learns that gardening truly can reverse their isolation and loneliness by building a friendship.

Jonathan D. Voss has written a whimsical children's picture book showing the wonder of gardening and how children should be allowed to follow their own daydreams. This book poignantly describes how innovation and a love of nature can allow children to attain goals and explore new ideas. Courage, patience, and friendship are key values shared through this delightful story.

A wonderful celebration of friendship, time in nature, and finding connections in surprising places.

We have enjoyed reading this beautiful story again and again. My older children especially loved the funny commentary throughout the book, including “Fact: flying hats are very hard to catch.”

This sweet story reinforces that with time and effort, wonderful things can blossom.

With thanks to Two Lions, Jonathan D Voss and NetGalley for this e-ARC to read and review.

This book would make a wonderful addition to any school, home or local library.

A sweet book about loss, gardening, and friendship. I definitely recommend this for any kids that like gardening, or to any whose best friend just moved away.

This book celebrates the small victories, the better tomorrows.

This was a cute book with a nice message about finding positives/creating opportunities for joy in times of change, that I believe could help some kiddos. I liked the illustrations. 3.75/5

I really loved this book! As someone who grew up moving around a lot, I was able to connect with the characters and reflected on a time where I was in their shoes. The illustrations are so beautiful and I love how bright and colorful everything was! This is great book for kids during story time! 5/5