“The Gardener”
by Sarah Stewart, illustrated by David Small.
Farrar, Straus, Giroux, New York, 1997, 40 pages, Grades K-2.
The Great Depression threw many in the United States into poverty and despair. This is especially true in some agricultural states. These states were riddled with unemployment, debt, drought and misery. To cope with these difficult problems, families relied on each other to pull through. This results in children being sent to aunts and uncles for part of the year.
In this beautifully written and illustrated picture book, we see family charity supporting those in need. In this touching story, a young girl, Lydia Grace, is sent from her rural home to the city. Her uncle, a baker, brings the child into his home. Lydia Grace knows nothing about baking, but is an expert gardener.
Sarah Stewart describes the growing kindness of the uncle as the child plants seeds on the rooftop of the bakery. The name of this charming story is “The Gardener.”
Times are tough. Daddy has lost his job and Mama hasn’t received any new sewing orders for a long time. Because of this, the parents pack a few belongings in a suitcase and send their daughter on the train to live with her uncle.
The child is a hard worker, but knows nothing about baking. One of her uncle’s workers helps her learn to knead bread and she begins working at the bakery. While Lydia Grace is appreciative of this, her dream is to grow plants and flowers.
Her grandma gave her some seeds to start a small garden before she left home. Now, she secretly gathers old pots and plant holders and sets them on the roof of the bakery. The girl works in the bakery and then goes up and takes care of all of her plants. With this exceptional care, the plants begin growing all across the roof of the building. Many in the neighborhood begin noticing this small girl with the green thumb.
Soon beauty is springing up all around the bakery and the dreary urban landscape is becoming vibrant and lovely. However, her uncle is so concerned with the success of the bakery that he doesn’t seem to take notice of Lydia Grace’s accomplishments. Finally, she decides he must see her garden. Lydia Grace carefully writes directional notices up the steps. Uncle somewhat cautiously walks up the steps. What happens?
Does her uncle realize how beautiful the roof of the bakery has become? Does he thank the child for all her hard work? Have you ever kneaded bread or grown a garden? Why is Lydia Grace such a charming character? To find the answers to these and other questions, go to the library and check out “The Gardener” by Sarah Stewart.
This is a lovely story of a young girl bringing beauty into the lives of her family and her neighbors. The illustrations are endearing and the story is inspiring. It is also a story of why families can help each other when times become difficult.
This book would be a great read aloud. It could also be effectively shared with a younger member of your family. I hope you get a chance to read “The Gardener.” It is a touching tale of hope and love.
