I am not either a fan or not fan of Hillary Rodham Clinton and her daughter Chelsea Clinton. However, we had a copy of a book at work that had this grandmotherly looking lady on the cover that was bright, oversized and had garden in the title. I am not a gardener, but this year I became a “plant mom” for the second time (my first was years ago and a Venus fly trap. It did not go well. Let’s say, do not accidently shut the leaves in the container it is being held in), so I thought, “I am interested in gardens and plants.” Then I noticed it was by the Clintons.
And what I read was a very sweet story of what gardens give us. They do not just give us food but give us memories and connections; plus, so much more. It was also a lovely generational story that shows how things are always changing, growing and yet, staying the same. We see three generations sharing a love of gardens, love of each other and finally the fourth generation coming into the circle of creation. The narrator voice switches between Hilary and Chelsea.
Put politics aside. This is not about politics. It is about gardens. It is about love. It is about something lovely. And Carme Lemniscates adds to that with some delightfully colorful and fun illustrations. While they are not “real-realistic” they are not “cartoon” either. There is a combination of the two styles that makes it unique and moves the story along. The art compliments the text.
This book could be a fun read aloud for a group, but also a good one-on-one. It could be for almost any age (though the more active child might not be as into it as it does have a calm “garden” feel). However, the best audience I would think would be for an adult who is a gardener or appreciates the finer art of gardens.
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