The Secret Garden : A Young Reader's Edition of the Classic Story
Fantail Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (561)
What’s inside...
After the death of her parents, Mary is brought back from India to live in her uncle's house on the moors. One day she discovers the key to a secret garden and her life begins to brighten. This book is based on the film of the classic story by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mary Lennox
Martha Sowerby
Dickon Sowerby
Colin Craven
Ben Weatherstaff
Mrs. Medlock
Discussion points
What do you think made Mary change her attitude towards others throughout the story?
How does the garden help Mary and Colin heal emotionally and physically?
What role do secrets play in the story, and do you think some secrets are necessary?
Why is friendship important in the book, and how does it change the characters?
How do you think the characters would be different if there was no secret garden?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that let your child express their thoughts freely while exploring the story’s deeper meanings.
Connect the themes of the book, like healing and friendship, to your child's personal experiences to make the conversation more relatable.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite part of the garden and what makes it special to deepen their connection to the story.
Discuss the characters' transformations in the story to help your child understand the impact of personal growth and change.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of nurturing relationships
Explanation: In 'The Secret Garden', the protagonist, Mary, develops deep bonds with other characters as they come together to restore a neglected garden. These relationships help transform Mary from a sullen, lonely girl into a caring, compassionate individual.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of building positive relationships with others, understanding that cooperation and empathy can lead to personal growth and communal harmony.
Example Lesson: The healing power of nature
Explanation: The story illustrates how the characters find solace and healing by immersing themselves in the restoration of the garden, highlighting nature's profound impact on human well-being.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage with the natural world around them, be it through gardening, exploring parks, or simply spending time outdoors, to improve physical and mental health.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Mary's transformation from an orphan who faces loneliness and neglect to someone who finds purpose and joy demonstrates resilience. Her character shows that it’s possible to thrive despite difficult circumstances.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to adopt a resilient mindset when they encounter challenges, teaching them that perseverance can lead to positive change.
Example Lesson: The joy of curiosity and discovery
Explanation: As the children in the story explore and bring the secret garden to life, they experience the joy and satisfaction that comes from discovery and learning new things.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to be curious learners, exploring new ideas and subjects that fascinate them, leading to a lifelong love of learning.