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What the Garden Tells Me
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.
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.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published May 14, 2024
16 people want to read
About the author
Monica Mikai
21 books12 followersMonica Mikai is an author and illustrator currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia.
Monica has a BA from Rider University where she double majored in Art and Elementary Education. She also holds a MFA from The New York Studio School where she studied Painting. She is passionate about creating beautiful stories and illustrations that inspire the reader to see life from a new perspective.
Monica has a BA from Rider University where she double majored in Art and Elementary Education. She also holds a MFA from The New York Studio School where she studied Painting. She is passionate about creating beautiful stories and illustrations that inspire the reader to see life from a new perspective.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 4, 2024
Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central
A young girl looks at the city gardens around her and uses the plants to remind herself of important things in her life. The sunny day Lillie's remind her to feel joy, and the willow tree branches are like her hair, so remind her to love herself. Yellow lion's-ears encourage her to listen, polka-dot plants are similar to her freckles, of which she is proud, and the water lilies rise up from the mud and encourage her to believe in herself. There are many other beautiful plants in the garden, and the girl tries to take wisdom from all of the different plants, and to remember that joy can be found in unexpected places.
The digitally created images give this a cartoon like quality, but the girl looks slightly older, which will appeal to younger readers who might look up to someone who is allowed to explore on her own. The flowers are all very bright and colorful, and are easily recognizable. Readers who have day lillies or sunflowers outside their own homes will be able to use this book to put a name on the plants.
Even though the girl is allowed to spend time alone in the garden musing philosophically, we do see glimpses of her family in the background, and they look happy and supportive. So many gardening books include grandparents teaching about plants, so it was refreshing to see one where the young plant enthusiast is allowed to delve into the plants on her own, even though she clearly has learned the names of the plants from some source!
An author's note at the end encourages readers to find out the names of different plants that readers find around themselves. I was amazed that so many different kinds are mentioned, and some of them seem very exotic. This book would be a great one to take on a walk to a park that has varied flower beds, and would be fun to use to try to identify plants. Use this book along with Gibbons' Flowers, Gray and Pak's Flowers are Calling, Appelt's Miss Ladybird's Wild Flowers, and of course, Cooney's Miss Rumphius to show children that not only are flowers pretty, but they can make us think!
A young girl looks at the city gardens around her and uses the plants to remind herself of important things in her life. The sunny day Lillie's remind her to feel joy, and the willow tree branches are like her hair, so remind her to love herself. Yellow lion's-ears encourage her to listen, polka-dot plants are similar to her freckles, of which she is proud, and the water lilies rise up from the mud and encourage her to believe in herself. There are many other beautiful plants in the garden, and the girl tries to take wisdom from all of the different plants, and to remember that joy can be found in unexpected places.
The digitally created images give this a cartoon like quality, but the girl looks slightly older, which will appeal to younger readers who might look up to someone who is allowed to explore on her own. The flowers are all very bright and colorful, and are easily recognizable. Readers who have day lillies or sunflowers outside their own homes will be able to use this book to put a name on the plants.
Even though the girl is allowed to spend time alone in the garden musing philosophically, we do see glimpses of her family in the background, and they look happy and supportive. So many gardening books include grandparents teaching about plants, so it was refreshing to see one where the young plant enthusiast is allowed to delve into the plants on her own, even though she clearly has learned the names of the plants from some source!
An author's note at the end encourages readers to find out the names of different plants that readers find around themselves. I was amazed that so many different kinds are mentioned, and some of them seem very exotic. This book would be a great one to take on a walk to a park that has varied flower beds, and would be fun to use to try to identify plants. Use this book along with Gibbons' Flowers, Gray and Pak's Flowers are Calling, Appelt's Miss Ladybird's Wild Flowers, and of course, Cooney's Miss Rumphius to show children that not only are flowers pretty, but they can make us think!
November 5, 2024
City gardens are an oasis, a source of joy and inspiration. Through "What the Garden Tells Me," Monica Mikai’s blossoming debut as an author-illustrator showcases her love for nature and life’s calling to bring joy and wonder to young readers. The protagonist is a Black girl with gorgeous flowing curls who delights in leisurely walks in the garden, around flowers and plants. With Mom, Dad, and younger siblings, she names the flora that catches her fancy, celebrating them with enthusiastic cartwheels, joyful songs, poignant reflections, and adorable affirmations.
Truth be told, I am a plant lover myself, so I was already very much looking forward to reviewing this book. There is so much to love about Mikai’s vision, as she draws readers into the wondrous and vibrant serenity of a brilliant spring day when water lilies and sunflowers are in full bloom. Mikai adds to her mettle as an accomplished illustrator, with an engaging narrative. The author lovingly invites children and grown-ups to slow down amid a busy and noisy world, and take the time to observe the quiet beauty of flowers. Knowing the names of plants and noticing their unique qualities inspires a love for nature.
November 18, 2025
This is a great book for kids who love flowers and the garden. The main character in this book introduces us to a garden in her neighborhood, and describes all the plants and the life-affirming lessons these plants share with her.
The lessons include things like: "Water lilies rise up above muddy water and dazzle. They remind me that nothing can get in my way when I believe in myself." and "Sunflowers gracefully hold themselves upright, so I stand tall and let the sun fill me with its warmth." and "Sweet-smelling roses tell me that along with life's beauty, there will also be thorns. But both have a purpose."
The lessons include things like: "Water lilies rise up above muddy water and dazzle. They remind me that nothing can get in my way when I believe in myself." and "Sunflowers gracefully hold themselves upright, so I stand tall and let the sun fill me with its warmth." and "Sweet-smelling roses tell me that along with life's beauty, there will also be thorns. But both have a purpose."
May 9, 2024
I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.
Gardens are a wonderful way to experience nature with their beautiful flowers, colorful leaves, and peppy pollinators. This beautiful book is a great introduction to gardens and shows the benefits of a community garden in a big city (like Chicago!).
Gardens are a wonderful way to experience nature with their beautiful flowers, colorful leaves, and peppy pollinators. This beautiful book is a great introduction to gardens and shows the benefits of a community garden in a big city (like Chicago!).
May 23, 2024
This is an ode to the gardens in Chicago and what the flowers say to this young girl.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews