The World's Best Class Plant

Ages 3 to 7, Grades P to 2

An irresistible picture book about a boy and his classmates who long for a class pet, but discover the joys and rewards of nurturing a class plant.

Room 107 has a cockatiel. Room 108 has a chinchilla. Even the Art Room has a bearded dragon. But in Room 109, Arlo's classroom, there is a plant. A mostly green, hardly growing, never moving plant. Even though it doesn't squeak, whistle, or whimper, Arlo’s teacher says the plant is “more than enough excitement for us.” But what could possibly be exciting about a plant?

One day, Arlo decides to name the plant Jerry. Something about naming the plant makes it more exciting. As the class learns to take care of Jerry, he starts to grow . . . greener and longer and twistier. And before long it's clear that something amazing has taken root in Arlo's classroom.

About the Author

Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick have collaborated on three previous picture books: Five Minutes (That’s a Lot of Time) (No, It’s Not) (Yes, It Is), which was one of NPR’s Favorite Books of the Year; Bob, Not Bob!; and Dear Substitute. Liz is the author of numerous beloved picture books, including the Caldecott Honor book All the World, and Audrey has written more than twenty books for young readers, including the critically acclaimed Brothers at Bat. Visit Liz at lizgartonscanlon.com and Audrey at audreyvernick.com.

Author Residence: Austin, TX / Ocean, NJ