San Bernardino County Library is joining Jumpstart in celebrating BIG this year! Jumpstart’s Read for the Record is turning 20, continuing its mission of uniting millions of adults and children to read the same book on the same day, highlighting the critical importance of early literacy.
On February 26, 2026, SBCL will participate by featuring this year’s book, See Marcus Grow, written by Marcus Bridgewater and illustrated by Reggie Brown, in our storytimes. If you’re unable to attend in person, you can also access the book online through our digital library.
When we read together, we grow together and help build brighter futures for our youngest learners!
This Year’s Featured Book
See Marcus Grow
By Marcus Bridgewater and illustrated by Reggie Brown
Marcus Bridgewater, also known as the social media sensation “Garden Marcus”, shows kids the lessons he learned in his grandma’s garden when he was growing up.
See Marcus Grow is a vibrant picture book that introduces young readers to the wonders of gardening while exploring themes of curiosity, discovery, nurturing and growth. In this story, the young character named Marcus learns from his grandmother in her garden. The book beautifully illustrates the parallel between plant care and human development, sharing the wisdom that both children and seedlings need “water and air and sunshine. And space to grow.”
About the Author
Marcus Bridgewater, known on social media as “Garden Marcus,” is also the author of How to Grow: Nurture Your Garden, Nurture Yourself. Media outlets that have featured his work include Vogue, Dwell, the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, and The Drew Barrymore Show. A creator, educator, motivational speaker, and plant enthusiast, he is also the founder and CEO of Choice Forward, a company that offers life coaching, seminars, and workshops. He lives in Texas with his wife, son, and a thousand plants.