Book Review #117

 Essential Succulents: The Beginner's Guide

Note: This is a nonfiction companion pick to go along with Sutton the Succulent Finds a Home, a way for kids and families to take the story one step further by learning to actually grow succulents themselves.

Author: Ken Shelf
Photographer: Rachel Weill
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Publication Date: November 13, 2018
ISBN: 978-1984856562
Genre: Nonfiction
Topic: Succulent care and design

I Gave This Book 5 Roars!🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁 

Why 5 Roars?

This guide makes succulents simple and approachable for beginners, including older children who are inspired by Sutton’s story and want to try growing their own. The photography is inviting, the instructions are clear, and the projects range from very easy to creative challenges.

Critical Analysis:
Shelf’s writing is straightforward, encouraging even the most hesitant beginner to get started. The strength of this book is how it balances plant care basics (light, soil, irrigation) with creative design projects (terrariums, outdoor water-saving gardens, wreaths). The photography by Rachel Weill adds visual appeal, which makes it easier to follow instructions while also sparking inspiration.

Accuracy:
The book provides practical advice for growing succulents indoors and outdoors, from watering techniques to container tips.

Organization:
The layout is clean and logical: plant-by-plant guides, followed by DIY projects that grow in difficulty.

Design:
Bright photographs and step-by-step layouts make this a hands-on guide rather than just a reference book.

Style:
Accessible, upbeat, and beginner-friendly, perfect for families, classrooms, and anyone who wants to bring a little greenery indoors.

Connections:

• Ideal to pair with Sutton the Succulent Finds a Home in a Classroom Unit: read Sutton’s story, then try growing a real succulent.

• Can be used in science lessons (plant biology, water conservation, adaptation).

• Encourages responsibility and patience in children caring for plants at home.

Reminder for Readers: While Essential Succulents is not written for children, it is best suited for adults ages 18 and up who want to support children in learning about succulents. Parents, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers can use this guide to confidently introduce kids to plant care, creating a hands-on extension of Sutton the Succulent Finds a Home.