There’s nothing like stepping into a garden and connecting with nature, and readers will revel in the pages of this beautiful picture book that celebrates these wondrous and inspiring places!
Gardens are glorious places blossoming with joy, wonder, and wisdom too. Whether it’s greeting the possibilities of each sunrise with the daylilies or appreciating what makes us as unique as the polkadot plant; whether it’s contemplating life’s thorns with the roses or standing as tall as a sunflower, spending time in nature can give us new ways of seeing. This flora-filled ode will inspire readers to observe the plants around them and appreciate the things that make each one—and each of us—special.
“An urban garden serves as a teacher and guide to a Black child. A golden gate in the young narrator’s city leads to a beautiful garden. It’s a place full of ‘wonder and wisdom,’ where each flower is a teacher. . . . Mikai’s attractive digital illustrations pair well with her soulful prose. The cityscape is depicted in muted purples and blues, allowing the vibrant flowers to truly pop. Urban dwellers may well be inspired to seek nature in their own backyards. In an author’s note, Mikai discusses the rewards of slowing down and seeking solace in nature; she encourages readers to learn more about flowers. A lovely book that speaks volumes.” —Kirkus Reviews
Monica Mikai is an author and illustrator of books for children. She is passionate about creating thoughtful stories and illustrations that inspire the reader to see life from a new perspective. Monica is the author and illustrator of Wash Day with Mama, as well as the illustrator of Build a House, Thank a Farmer, The Proudest Color, and My Name Is a Story, among others. When not writing or illustrating, she can be found practicing yoga, hiking, or trying to keep her curls as moisturized as possible. Monica lives in coastal Virginia with her husband and two sons.
View titles by Monica Mikai
There’s nothing like stepping into a garden and connecting with nature, and readers will revel in the pages of this beautiful picture book that celebrates these wondrous and inspiring places!
Gardens are glorious places blossoming with joy, wonder, and wisdom too. Whether it’s greeting the possibilities of each sunrise with the daylilies or appreciating what makes us as unique as the polkadot plant; whether it’s contemplating life’s thorns with the roses or standing as tall as a sunflower, spending time in nature can give us new ways of seeing. This flora-filled ode will inspire readers to observe the plants around them and appreciate the things that make each one—and each of us—special.
Praise
“An urban garden serves as a teacher and guide to a Black child. A golden gate in the young narrator’s city leads to a beautiful garden. It’s a place full of ‘wonder and wisdom,’ where each flower is a teacher. . . . Mikai’s attractive digital illustrations pair well with her soulful prose. The cityscape is depicted in muted purples and blues, allowing the vibrant flowers to truly pop. Urban dwellers may well be inspired to seek nature in their own backyards. In an author’s note, Mikai discusses the rewards of slowing down and seeking solace in nature; she encourages readers to learn more about flowers. A lovely book that speaks volumes.” —Kirkus Reviews
Author
Monica Mikai is an author and illustrator of books for children. She is passionate about creating thoughtful stories and illustrations that inspire the reader to see life from a new perspective. Monica is the author and illustrator of Wash Day with Mama, as well as the illustrator of Build a House, Thank a Farmer, The Proudest Color, and My Name Is a Story, among others. When not writing or illustrating, she can be found practicing yoga, hiking, or trying to keep her curls as moisturized as possible. Monica lives in coastal Virginia with her husband and two sons.
View titles by Monica Mikai
