The Concrete Garden
Bob Graham
The Concrete Garden
Bob Graham
2024 CBCA Book of the Year: Early Childhood Shadow Judging Winner
A timely, inspiring and uplifting story about hope and the power of creative expression, from one of the world's most treasured book makers.
After a cold, dark winter, doors opened. Children spilled out like sweets from a box. Amanda was last one out of the tower block. She brought some chalk with her. On every inch of the concrete outside, the children drew pictures of everything they could think of, from flowers and snails, to spaceships and queens. Before long, a beautiful and exotic garden spread out across the concrete.
From master storyteller Bob Graham comes a charming, and gently post-pandemic story about finding optimism after a dark spell, and the nurturing power of community friendships in an urban setting. The Concrete Garden will resonate with anyone who has been apart from their loved ones, and will encourage us all to find the brightness and colour within ourselves.
Review
Alexa Dretzke
Bob Graham’s latest picture book displays all the wonderful hallmarks of his children’s books: community, diversity, acceptance, and, best of all, there is always a dog! Set amidst an enormous block of flats, at the end of winter the children come out to play. Last out is Amanda with a big box of chalk. She draws a big circle with squiggles; the invitation to join in is unspoken but apparent. Even the dog contributes to the art.
Some simple things endure, and a stick of chalk, imagination and cooperation redefines a grey space into a vibrant thing of beauty. Art is sometimes considered a frivolous thing but at its heart it transforms and informs, just as The Concrete Garden so delightfully portrays. For ages 2+
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