The Gardener (children's book) facts for kids
.jpg) |
|
| Author | Sarah Stewart |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's literature |
| Publisher | Farrar, Straus and Giroux |
|
Publication date
|
30 August 1997 |
| Media type | Picture book (hardcover) |
| Pages | 40 pp |
| ISBN | 978-0-374-32517-6 |
The Gardener is a lovely picture book written by Sarah Stewart and illustrated by her husband, David Small. It tells the heartwarming story of a young girl named Lydia Grace Finch. She moves from her small town to the big city during a tough time in history called the Great Depression. Lydia Grace brings joy and beauty to her new home by creating a special garden on a rooftop. The book is unique because it's told through letters Lydia Grace writes to her family.
Contents
Discovering The Gardener's Story
This book takes readers on a journey with Lydia Grace. She is a young girl who loves gardening. When her family faces hard times, she goes to live with her uncle in the city. Even though the city is very different from her home, she finds a way to make it beautiful.
Life During the Great Depression
The story of The Gardener happens during the Great Depression. This was a very difficult time in American history, mostly in the 1930s. Many people lost their jobs and homes. It was a period when money was scarce, and life was tough for families across the country. The book shows how people found hope and happiness even in hard times.
How the Story is Told
The book is written in a special way called an epistolary style. This means the story is told through letters. Lydia Grace writes letters to her family back home. In these letters, she shares her thoughts, feelings, and what she is doing. This style helps readers feel like they are getting to know Lydia Grace personally. It also lets us see the world through her eyes.
Lydia Grace's Journey to the City
Lydia Grace leaves her small town to live with her Uncle Jim. He runs a bakery in a busy city. When she arrives, she finds the city to be gray and crowded. But Lydia Grace has a special gift for making things grow. She quickly starts to look for places to plant seeds.
Creating a Rooftop Garden
Lydia Grace discovers the flat roof of her uncle's bakery. She decides this is the perfect spot for a garden. She works hard, planting seeds and caring for them. Her garden slowly transforms the dull rooftop into a colorful, lively space. This garden brings joy not only to Lydia Grace but also to her uncle and the people around them.
The Authors Behind the Book
The Gardener was created by a talented husband-and-wife team. Sarah Stewart wrote the words, and David Small drew the pictures. They are known for making beautiful and meaningful children's books together. Their teamwork helps bring Lydia Grace's story to life.
Awards and Recognitions
The Gardener has received many important awards. These awards show that the book is loved by readers and critics alike. It is recognized for its beautiful story and artwork.
- School Library Journal’s Top 100 Picture Books (2012)
- Caldecott Honor Book (1998)
- New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year (1997)
