"The Broken Hose, the first book in the Unity Springs: Where Everyone Grows series, is a heartwarming celebration of inclusion, teamwork, and belonging. Set in the fictional Unity Springs School Garden Club, the story follows a diverse group of learners as they work together to solve a problem, reminding readers that every child has something valuable to contribute.

With beautiful illustrations and a thoughtfully crafted story, Erin Russell seamlessly weaves themes of inclusion throughout the book with meaningful messages like, “Every idea helped,” and “Every job mattered.” Just as a well-tended garden flourishes through care and attention, The Broken Hose beautifully illustrates how an intentional teacher can cultivate a thriving classroom community where every student—regardless of their differences—is valued, included, and empowered to contribute to something greater than themselves. When children experience this kind of belonging from an early age, the lessons of inclusion naturally extend beyond the classroom, helping to cultivate communities where embracing differences isn't exceptional—it's simply the way the world works.

The Broken Hose is a book that belongs in every child's library, planting seeds of empathy, belonging, and inclusion that will continue to grow long after the final page is turned."