The Gardener
What’s inside...
The Gardener follows Lydia Grace Finch, who brings a suitcase of seeds and a passion for gardening to the city where she stays with her grumpy Uncle Jim. As she brightens up the bakery and neighborhood with her flowers, she also works on a secret masterpiece garden, hoping to make her uncle smile. Set during the Depression-era, this story highlights Lydia's generosity and the transformative power of nature. By the author-and-illustrator team of the bestselling The Library, Lydia Grace Finch brings a suitcase full of seeds, plenty of stationery, and a passion for gardening to the big gray city, where she goes to stay with her Uncle Jim, a cantankerous baker. There she initiates a gradual transformation, brightening the bakery and bringing smiles to customers' faces with the flowers she grows. But it is in a secret place that Lydia Grace works on her masterpiece, which she hopes will be powerful enough to make even Uncle Jim smile. Colored by a Depression-era setting, The Gardener introduces readers to a winsome young heroine, whose generosity will reward all who meet her. The Gardener is a 1997 New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of the Year and a 1998 Caldecott Honor Book.
Age
5-9
Length
34 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Lydia Grace Finch
Ed
Emma
Uncle Jim
Discussion points
How do you think Lydia Grace felt moving to the city, and how did her feelings change throughout the story?
Why do you think the garden was so important to Lydia Grace?
What did Lydia Grace learn from her experience with the garden?
How do the letters tell us about Lydia Grace’s relationship with her family and friends?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone and it made you feel happy?
Tip: Role play these questions
Emphasize the feelings of the characters at different points in the story, asking your child how they would feel in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of patience and hard work, as shown through Lydia Grace's dedication to her garden.
Encourage your child to talk about their personal experiences with nature or gardening, drawing parallels to the book.
Use Lydia Grace’s letters as a prompt to discuss the importance of communication and staying connected with loved ones.
Highlight the transformation of the rooftop and discuss with your child how small acts can lead to big changes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Hard Work
Explanation: The protagonist, Lydia Grace Finch, spends months transforming a dreary rooftop into a blooming garden, showcasing her dedication and effort.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence and effort in achieving goals, which they can apply in school projects or personal hobbies.
Example Lesson: Importance of Sharing Joy
Explanation: Lydia Grace uses her gardening skills to bring joy to her uncle and the people around her, demonstrating the impact of sharing happiness with others.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to share their own talents or positive actions to uplift friends and family members, fostering a supportive community.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: The book highlights Lydia Grace's creativity in utilizing small urban spaces for gardening, nurturing her ability to think creatively and solve problems effectively.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to use their imagination to overcome challenges and make the best of their resources, be it in play or their studies.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Despite personal and external challenges, Lydia Grace remains focused and optimistic, planting seeds of hope literally and metaphorically.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of staying resilient and hopeful even during difficult times, helping them develop a strong and positive mindset.
Example Lesson: Connecting with Nature
Explanation: The narrative fosters an appreciation of nature through Lydia’s interaction with plants and her garden, emphasizing the therapeutic and educational aspects of gardening.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and engage with the natural world, promoting outdoor activities that enhance their physical and mental well-being.