Arollicking, rhyming alphabetical recipe for making successful compost. Aiming at young readers and even younger listeners, Siddals keeps the tone light while providing easy instructions on how everyone can participate in this eco-friendly activity. Bright pictures in collage created with recycled and found items are not only well-executed but recall the texture of the materials and tactile experience of the characters in the book. Wolff features a diverse cast of people of all ages collecting, saving, hauling and tossing ingredients to “[j]ust add to the pot / and let it all rot / into Compost Stew.” Kids will also enjoy spotting the frisky Dalmatian and/or helpful duck on each spread. The title begins with an author’s note explaining the roles of lesser-known items and why they make good compost and closes with a “Chef's Note” cautioning all to pay special attention to local regulations as those presented are general recommendations. Consider this recipe an ideal, accessible title to expand composting information for budding environmentalists. (Informational picture book. 3-6)

-Kirkus Review

The recipe for compost would seem to be easy but the book make naming the ingredients fun and even give some tips on things that shouldn't be added to compost. Above all the unique artwork in this picture book adds another level to the recycle message as you can see parts of the collage making up the pictures are scraps of old paper and newspaper articles. ( )

How do you start a compost pile? Compost Stew goes through the alphabet, from apple cores to zinnia heads, giving readers a recipe of the best ingredients for a successful compost pile.

This is an alphabet book that cooks up a creative compost stew!

Compost Stew creatively lists various ingredients for compost in alphabetical order, while also rhyming! The illustrations are collages made of found materials and recyclables. The characters all come together to cook up some good soil with the alphabetical ideas.