A new children’s book hitting the shelves early this summer will feature scenes from Reiman Gardens.

The book was written by Natalie Knudsen, a 1992 ISU agriculture journalism graduate, and was illustrated by ISU professor Arthur Croyle. The book will be on shelves by June 1 and will be available at Reiman Gardens and the University Book Store, Knudsen said.

Knudsen said she is a big perennial flower gardener, and she once tried to name a flower for each letter of the alphabet.

After an hour, she said she completed the task and realized she had a good idea for a children’s book.

Once Knudsen devised the idea, she went to Jane Peterson, her ISU adviser and mentor, for help furthering the project.

“I always wanted it to be an Iowa State project,” she said.

Peterson, professor of journalism and mass communication, suggested Knudsen contact the ISU Alumni Association, and the association then suggested she talk to the Reiman Gardens’ CoHorts, Knudsen said.

“The CoHorts are a group of volunteers who do fund raising for the gardens, along with many other things,” she said. “They were able to secure a $7,000 anonymous donation, and that got us on our way.”

With the text written, the next step was to find an illustrator, Knudsen said.

Croyle, associate professor of art and design, said the book had perfect timing.

“It worked out really well because at that time, I was looking for a project,” he said.

A group of four students also assisted in the illustration of the book, Croyle said.

John Smith, Megan O’Dea, Heather Straszheim, Treena Case-Martin and Croyle split the load of 26 illustrations into five each, with Smith doing six, he said. All four of the students involved were seniors in biological and pre-medical illustration.

“The students got credit for the project and, I think, valuable experience as well,” Croyle said. “I think it is a good-looking project.”

Reiman Gardens played an important role in the production of the book, Croyle said, outside of the fund raising. The garden’s staff allowed the illustrators to use buildings and surroundings at the site as examples in the artwork.

Teresa McLaughlin, Reiman Gardens program manager, said they were happy to assist in the process of writing the book.

“This is another way we can tie students with the gardens and a great way to showcase students and the gardens at the same time,” she said.

McLaughlin said the biggest thing Reiman Gardens is able to do in areas such as this is to give students recognition for their work. She also said they were honored to be included in the work of students.

“I think as a body of work, it is real ambitious and I think it turned out really well,” Croyle said.