A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month August 2018 | The Garden of Hope is a simple story with a powerful message of hope. Isabel Otter tackles themes of sadness and anxiety alongside love and beauty, whilst exploring the delicate and heart-warming relationship between a father and daughter as they navigate their changed lives together. The absence in this book is open to interpretation, meaning that this is perfect for those looking for a book to open discussion not only on the subject of loss, but also absenteeism in the case of family breakdown.
Julia Eccleshare's Picks of the Month for August 2018
When Dad senses Maya’s worry, he tells her the story of how Mum nourished her garden, and in turn, that garden nourished her. As Maya sets about clearing weeds and sowing new seeds and reviving a once neglected garden, she finds a similar comfort in watching new growth bloom as a result of her diligent care.
This is an enchanting tale of a little girl who finds courage and purpose as she transforms an overgrown and neglected garden into a place of beauty, love… and ultimately hope. With stunning, evocative illustrations of a garden blooming back to life by new talent Katie Rewse, this is a picture book to treasure.
Isabel Otter is a children's book editor and writer. She grew up in rural Herefordshire, and spent much of her childhood in trees. Isabel loves weaving stories and writing about the world around her. She currently lives in London.
