The Little Gardener
on Goodreads (52)
What’s inside...
George, the little gardener, is surprised when one of his beloved flowers is sad. The small daisy would rather be in the neighbor's beautiful garden filled with lilies and roses than in George's untamed yard. But when George assists her, she finds that things are not always as they seem. Bernadette Watts' beautiful pastel illustrations bring magic to this heart-warming story by Gerda Marie Scheidl about the things that matter most.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the little gardener learned about caring for plants?
How did the animals in the garden help the little gardener?
Why do you think it's important to have friends and helpers in a garden?
What would you grow in your garden and why?
How do you feel when you help someone or something grow?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their own experiences with gardening or helping others to the story.
Discuss the importance of community and teamwork, highlighting how the characters in the book worked together.
Ask your child to imagine their own garden and what they would need to help it thrive, linking it to the gardener’s experiences in the book.
Use expressive read-aloud techniques to emphasize the emotional aspects of the story, making it more engaging for your child.
After reading, consider planting a small plant or garden together to practically connect the book’s themes to real life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The Little Gardener shows the protagonist taking care of his garden, demonstrating the idea of nurturing and being responsible for something he cherishes.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by taking on small responsibilities at home like caring for a pet or maintaining a clean room, learning the importance of consistent effort and care.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: Gardening is a slow process, and the book portrays how the little gardener patiently waits for the plants to grow, teaching children that some things need time to develop.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the value of patience in everyday activities such as waiting their turn or finishing a task at school.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Nature
Explanation: Through vivid illustrations and storytelling, the book highlights the beauty and diversity of the garden, encouraging an appreciation for the natural world.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore their own gardens, parks, or plant seeds, fostering a connection with and respect for the environment.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The little gardener faces challenges but continues to tend to his garden with determination, showing the importance of not giving up despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to persist in their own endeavors, be it learning a new skill or overcoming a personal challenge.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The garden in the story is a canvas for creativity, where the little gardener experiments with plant arrangements and decorations.
Real-World Application: Children can channel this lesson into creative activities such as drawing, building, or any form of artistic expression, enhancing their imaginative capabilities.