Return to the Secret Garden - Hardcover

Webb, Holly

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1492639095 ISBN 13: 9781492639091

Publisher: Sourcebooks Young Readers, 2016

Synopsis

"A delightful story for young readers entering into middle grade novels, the friendship and mystery of The Secret Garden is introduced in a new story that is satisfying for both those who love the original and those for whom the plot is new." - Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor

As she turned it the door creaked a little and opened inwards...

The only friend Emmie Hatton has ever had at the Craven Home for Orphaned Children is Lucy, the little black kitten that visits her on the fire escape every day. But when the children of Craven Home are evacuated out of London because of the war, heartbroken Emmie is forced to leave sweet Lucy behind. The children are sent to Misselthwaite Manor, a countryside mansion full of countless dusty rooms and a kind, if busy, staff. Emmie even finds a gruff gardener and an inquisitive little robin that just might become new friends.

And soon, in the cold, candle-lit nights at Misselthwaite, Emmie starts discovering the secrets of the house-a boy crying at night, a diary written by a girl named Mary, and a very secret, special garden...

Return to the world of The Secret Garden with this enchanting new tale that will delight fans of the original story and new readers alike!

About this title

About the Author

Holly Webb has written more than one hundred books, inlcuding the critically acclaimed Rose series. She worked for five years as a children's fiction editor before deciding to become a writer. She lives in Reading with her husband and three small children. Visit holly-webb.com.

From School Library Journal

Gr 3–6—Emmie and the other orphans of the Craven Home for Orphaned Children are being evacuated from London to Misselthwaite Manor on the eve of World War II. The chaos of displacement mirrors Emmie's loneliness and frustration. This powerful historical setting is the backdrop for Webb's lovely sequel to Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic The Secret Garden. As Emmie becomes acclimated to her life on the Yorkshire moors, we watch her sense of curiosity overtake her resentment. Although presented as a sequel, this book stands on its own merit. As Emmie reads Mary Lennox's diaries, readers are given enough background information to understand the parallels between the two novels. The secret garden quickly becomes a character, offering Emmie safety and room to grow. With beautiful imagery and evocative prose, Webb invites readers into the English countryside. Emmie's friendships with Jack Craven and Mr. Sowerby, the gardener, are explored with sensitivity and authenticity. Webb expertly crafts the story lines, providing drama in just the right places. Maggie Ollerenshaw's narration is engaging, with pacing that reflects the plot. VERDICT For fans of The Secret Garden, this is a must-read. For those not familiar with the earlier novel, this is a sweet and satisfying tale of friendship and growth.—Terri Perper, Olney Elementary School, MD

About this edition

• Publisher: Sourcebooks Young Readers
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1492639095
• ISBN 13: 9781492639091
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 224