Secret Gardeners: Growing a Community and Healing the Earth

Luna, Bianca, and Billy can’t figure out why the sad old man is always so down, but when they accidentally discover an overgrown yard, they bring together the neighborhood in a project to transform the plot of land into a community garden and uncover a story that helps them see the old man in a whole new light.

Luna, Bianca, and Billy set to work pulling weeds, turning soil, spreading manure and creating garden beds with the help of Amy the gardener. After a few weeks of hard work, the yard is transformed into a sustainable community garden, growing vegetables, herbs and anything else the volunteers desire. Just when the children are starting to see the results of all their hard work, they learn that the owner of the land is none other than the sad old man…and he has plans to sell it. Will this be the end of their secret garden?

With detailed and instructive text from journalist and beekeeper Lina Laurent, and playful and lively illustrations from Maija Hurme, Secret Gardeners will make a great introduction to gardening for young readers. The children learn about plant lifecycles, biowaste and composting, beehives, and other botanical topics that can be put to use in a home and classroom setting.