Isabella's Garden - Hardcover

Millard, Glenda

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0763660167 ISBN 13: 9780763660161

Publisher: Candlewick, 2012

Synopsis

A lyrical, uplifting picture book explores the growth and continual change that goes on in a much-loved garden.

This is the sun that kisses the clouds
that cried the rain that soaks the seeds
that sleep in the soil, all dark and deep,
in Isabella's garden.

In Isabella's garden, amazing things come from the tiniest of seeds as they bloom and flourish and make way for a whole new season of growth. Told with great warmth and echoing favorite nursery rhymes such as "The Green Grass Grows All Around" or "The House that Jack Built," Glenda Millard's award-winning story bursts with life. Beautifully complemented by Rebecca Cool's bright, peaceful illustrations, here is a tale that is sure to win the hearts of readers of all ages.

About this title

About the Author

Glenda Millard has written many award-winning books for children of all ages, including Kaito's Cloth; Layla, Queen of Hearts; and The Naming of Tishkin Silk. Glenda Millard lives in Australia.

Rebecca Cool studied at the Claremont School of Fine Arts in Australia and has had her work shown in a number of exhibitions. This is her first book for children. Rebecca Cool lives in Australia.

Review

Bright, sumptuous mixed-media spreads have a folk-art quality, while the simplicity of the artwork mirrors the lyrical text. The awe, mystery, and beauty of the changing seasons as experienced by the children make this a must-have book to welcome spring.
—School Library Journal

A garden becomes a symbol for the circle of life in this child-appealing story told in verse reminiscent of "The House That Jack Built"... The folk art–style paintings feature stylized children, birds, insects, and even a fantastical Jack Frost, who despite his outfit resembles the doll-like children. Satisfying to listen to and look at, and along the way children will learn something about how a garden grows.
—Booklist

Every spread is filled to the brim with Cool's full-bleed paintings and Australian author Millard's verse.
—Publishers Weekly

At once stately and soothing—a fine choice for bedtime sharing or for calming ruffled spirits in general.
—Kirkus Reviews

Very beautiful.
—Seven Impossible Things blog

The expected rhythm of the words matches well the roundness of the naturally growing world, and the less expected rhymes (like "appled" and "dappled" and "wind" and "velvety skinned") draw our attention further. Rebecca Cool's bright polychromed pictures of children and plants rev up gardening enthusiasm.
—Chicago Tribune

This is a beautifully written tale that follows the repetitive pattern of "The House that Jack Built" - perfectly to the circular cycle of nature.
—San Antonio Express-News

Take a journey through Isabella's garden, where beautiful flowers bloom and the tiniest of seeds flourish.
—Newsday

About this edition

• Publisher: Candlewick
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0763660167
• ISBN 13: 9780763660161
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Cool Rebecca