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In Mary's Garden
While the rest of her classmates were making pastries in cooking classes, Mary Nohl was making art—anything she fancied out of anything she could find. Inspiration struck Mary even when she wasn’t looking for it. Mary used common objects to make uncommon art. And one day, her garden was a gallery.
Mary Nohl passed away in 2001 at the age of eighty-seven. Her famous garden gallery is located in the front yard of her Fox Point, Wisconsin, home to this day.
Mary Nohl passed away in 2001 at the age of eighty-seven. Her famous garden gallery is located in the front yard of her Fox Point, Wisconsin, home to this day.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 17, 2015
4 people are currently reading
716 people want to read
About the author
Tina Kugler
13 books25 followersAuthor-illustrator Tina Kügler lives in Los Angeles with her husband, three sons, two cats, and a cranky lizard.
Tina wrote and illustrated SNAIL AND WORM, a collection of easy reader stories about two small friends (2016 Houghton Mifflin Books for Young Readers). The sequel, SNAIL AND WORM AGAIN, is a 2018 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book. SNAIL AND WORM ALL DAY is the third installment in the series and Tina's tenth book.
WHO ATE MY BOOK?, an easy reader with Penguin Random House, will be released in 2020. FOX TAILS, Tina’s illustrated easy reader 3-book series with Scholastic, will be arriving in 2020 and 2021.
IN MARY'S GARDEN (2015, HMH), written and illustrated by Tina and her husband Carson Kugler, is a biographical picture book about the life and work of Wisconsin artist Mary Nohl.
Tina illustrated THE CHANGE YOUR NAME STORE (2014) and its sequel, NO MORE BEIGE FOOD (2016), both written by Leanne Shirtliffe and published by Sky Pony Press.
She spent many years as a Storyboard Artist for animation studios such as Walt Disney, Nickelodeon, and Warner Bros., and is currently a Character Layout Artist on The Simpsons for Fox Television Animation. She also owned a children's bookshop and worked in the youth department of a public library.
Tina is represented by Teresa Kietlinski at Bookmark Literary.
Tina wrote and illustrated SNAIL AND WORM, a collection of easy reader stories about two small friends (2016 Houghton Mifflin Books for Young Readers). The sequel, SNAIL AND WORM AGAIN, is a 2018 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book. SNAIL AND WORM ALL DAY is the third installment in the series and Tina's tenth book.
WHO ATE MY BOOK?, an easy reader with Penguin Random House, will be released in 2020. FOX TAILS, Tina’s illustrated easy reader 3-book series with Scholastic, will be arriving in 2020 and 2021.
IN MARY'S GARDEN (2015, HMH), written and illustrated by Tina and her husband Carson Kugler, is a biographical picture book about the life and work of Wisconsin artist Mary Nohl.
Tina illustrated THE CHANGE YOUR NAME STORE (2014) and its sequel, NO MORE BEIGE FOOD (2016), both written by Leanne Shirtliffe and published by Sky Pony Press.
She spent many years as a Storyboard Artist for animation studios such as Walt Disney, Nickelodeon, and Warner Bros., and is currently a Character Layout Artist on The Simpsons for Fox Television Animation. She also owned a children's bookshop and worked in the youth department of a public library.
Tina is represented by Teresa Kietlinski at Bookmark Literary.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
August 8, 2016
A really lovely picture book about local folk artist Mary Nohl. Unlike a lot of non-fiction books, this one would make a good read aloud for a family program and would pair really well with a craft.
July 21, 2017
This is one of those books I've been trying to find to read for awhile so I was really pleased when I picked this up today. Yay for artist biographies done in picture books!
I love how this story was told. I love the strangeness to the art, and the fact that I got to learn something new about a place I really wish I'd known about back when I lived in Wisconsin. I would have loved to visit this house.
The sad part comes in the note at the end. The fact that Mary was treated like a witch and so much vandalism occurred is just tragic. I wonder how much of this wonderful work is still intact?
This is a neat book that I'd recommend to use with your child alongside some really fun art projects involving clay and 'found' items. Great book, with the story well told!
I love how this story was told. I love the strangeness to the art, and the fact that I got to learn something new about a place I really wish I'd known about back when I lived in Wisconsin. I would have loved to visit this house.
The sad part comes in the note at the end. The fact that Mary was treated like a witch and so much vandalism occurred is just tragic. I wonder how much of this wonderful work is still intact?
This is a neat book that I'd recommend to use with your child alongside some really fun art projects involving clay and 'found' items. Great book, with the story well told!
March 20, 2015
Beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully told story about a local legend, an artist, who created art from materials she found near her house located near Lake Michigan. Artist Mary Nohl gathered stones, wood, and other beach debris to create sculptures and art which she displayed on her property. Better known as "The Witch" to many locals, Mary Nohl is shown appropriately as an artist and original, honored posthumously and in the thick of controversy of relocating her art (this has just been settled and her property will remain where it is). Using a variety of illustration techniques, the Kuglers have designed a book to be cherished by those in the Milwaukee area and beyond.
March 15, 2015
"In Mary's Garden" is the story of Mary Nohl, the artist who created a beautiful garden of sculptures on the shore of Lake Michigan in Fox Point, Wisconsin. I had read a few things about the garden, but nothing prepared me for the delight the book was. The story gently unfolds and the illustrations are perfect. In an age of recycling and up-cycling, this is a great story to inspire kids to make art with whatever they find.
March 24, 2015
As a child many summer and autumn vacations were spent in northern Michigan, particularly in Benzie County around Crystal Lake, Big Platte Lake, Little Platte Lake and the Platte River. One of the highlights of trips in later years was visits to the studio and home of Gwen Frostic. A Michigan born artist, her unique perspective on the natural world, in both words and pictures, had captured the heart of my mom years earlier. Her vision matched the views held by both my parents on noticing all the little things to be found in our natural world every single day.
When I first read In Mary's Garden (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, March 17, 2015) written and illustrated by Tina and Carson Kugler I sensed a parallel in the lives of these two women. Although their work is completely different both chose to focus on making art based upon their observations and interpretations of the natural world. Both of these women chose to follow their own path. (Xena wants me to add that they both had dogs as friends.)
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
When I first read In Mary's Garden (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, March 17, 2015) written and illustrated by Tina and Carson Kugler I sensed a parallel in the lives of these two women. Although their work is completely different both chose to focus on making art based upon their observations and interpretations of the natural world. Both of these women chose to follow their own path. (Xena wants me to add that they both had dogs as friends.)
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
March 22, 2015
I'm not sure how I came across this book recently; I think it may have been a GoodReads recommendation. It looked interesting enough to put a hold on it at the library. As I'm reading it, I'm beginning to think this sounds a lot like the "Witch's House" we'd drive by in one of Milwaukee's north-shore suburbs when I was in high school. Well, guess what--it is! A pleasant surprise, a good book, and it was cool to finally find out who the "witch" was and how her art came to be.
March 18, 2015
Wonderful biography about the creative artwork of Mary Nohl. I really enjoyed the photos in the back and the author's notes that shed even more light on this creative artist.
January 17, 2015
Beautifully illustrated and well told pb biography.
August 25, 2015
Tina and Carson Kugler have crafted a wonderful tribute to the amazing artist Mary Nohl. This is a wonderful story that is going to inspire kids to think and build and create their own masterpieces!
April 30, 2018
This is amazing!! I had never heard of Mary Nohl before, and she's just over the border from me. I would love to go see her cottage and her sculpture garden. I'm glad that they are trying to protect it and keep it safe from those that want to take it away. Read for Info Books for Youth for Grad School.
March 18, 2015
I had been waiting for this biography to be released, and I was not let down. It is a unique tale about an artist students won't know, and I can't wait to read it aloud with them!
December 15, 2024
Bits and bobs but not enough magic
August 15, 2015
Great story of a creative soul. Love the Wisconsin connection (subject and author/illustrator)! Even living in Milwaukee, I didn't know about Mary's story before (although I had heard the rumors of the witch's house) - glad we now have this beautiful and charming book.
March 29, 2015
Beautiful picture book biography of the folk artist Mary Nohl. I love that this is short and simple enough to use for story time, while still capturing the life of a remarkable, unconventional woman who was fortunate enough to get to spend her life creating art.
November 13, 2020
Summary: In Mary’s Garden by Tina Kugler is about a girl named Mary. Ever since Mary was a little girl, she loved art. When her classmate were taking cooking classes, she was taking wood shop and helping her dad build their house. A few years later, Mary and her dogs went to the beach and discovered items in the sand that Mary thought she could use for an art piece. Mary took them home and began sculpting. Once finished, Mary had created a giant creature; but she thought the creature needed a friend. So, she went back to the beach found pieces to create more creatures, and soon Mary had a whole garden filled with creatures.
Analysis: I liked this story because it shows that when you find something that you truly love to do, it becomes a part of who you are. It also demonstrates that there are many areas where one can express their gifts.
In Psychotherapy, I would use this story to help my clients find something that they are good at/ and or something that make them happy. A lot of people who have been abused or manipulated, often believe that they are no longer good at anything or that they are not allowed to be happy, however; of course they are and with this book I will be able to show them.
Analysis: I liked this story because it shows that when you find something that you truly love to do, it becomes a part of who you are. It also demonstrates that there are many areas where one can express their gifts.
In Psychotherapy, I would use this story to help my clients find something that they are good at/ and or something that make them happy. A lot of people who have been abused or manipulated, often believe that they are no longer good at anything or that they are not allowed to be happy, however; of course they are and with this book I will be able to show them.
October 11, 2017
In Mary's Garden is a short story about a very artistic young girl. Her artistic imagination runs wild and she creates many magnificent art sculptures with things she finds laying around outside and on the beach. Once finished with one project, she immediately sets out searching for more items to create more art with. Creating is Mary's number one hobby. At the end of the story, you find out that Mary is based on a real woman, a Wisconsin artist named Mary Nohl.
This book is the perfect example of creating art from trash. Many of Mary's pieces were made from trash and thrown away objects she has found laying around, as well as objects in nature. This is a perfect opportunity for children to come up with their own art pieces from random objects they may find laying around at home, in the classroom, or outside.
Kugler, C., & Kugler, T. (2015). In Mary's Garden. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
This book is the perfect example of creating art from trash. Many of Mary's pieces were made from trash and thrown away objects she has found laying around, as well as objects in nature. This is a perfect opportunity for children to come up with their own art pieces from random objects they may find laying around at home, in the classroom, or outside.
Kugler, C., & Kugler, T. (2015). In Mary's Garden. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
March 25, 2019
This is an engaging biography about the renowned, and somewhat unusual artist Mary Nohl.
The husband and wife team who created this book used traditional watercolor with digital painting, collage, and vintage papers to design the illustrations.
I appreciate that they "combined traditional and digital collage elements to capture the spirit of Mary's art.
And I love that they were inspired to make this book because of the influences her artwork had on their own lives.
interesting quotes:
"Mary was happiest when her hands were busy making, building, creating things." (p. 5- unpaged)
"Mary always had room for one more stone, one more shell, and one more friend." (p. 31 - unpaged)
" ." (p. )
The husband and wife team who created this book used traditional watercolor with digital painting, collage, and vintage papers to design the illustrations.
I appreciate that they "combined traditional and digital collage elements to capture the spirit of Mary's art.
And I love that they were inspired to make this book because of the influences her artwork had on their own lives.
interesting quotes:
"Mary was happiest when her hands were busy making, building, creating things." (p. 5- unpaged)
"Mary always had room for one more stone, one more shell, and one more friend." (p. 31 - unpaged)
" ." (p. )
June 5, 2022
When I was younger, when we would drive by Mary Nohl's house by Lake Michigan, we did call it the witches house (just like it states in the book). Little did I know she was a creative, using found things from the beach (sea glass, stones, feathers, driftwood, bottles, pieces of junk left by others or washed up on the shore) by her house to make art that she placed in her yard for her own enjoyment (and that of others who drove by and "accepted it as art." I aspire to be like her through my own art making -- just not in the grand scale as she made. I'm glad there is book memorializing Mary Nohl and her art - she definitely was/is a controversial figure in the Milwaukee area but left a creative mark on the area.
March 18, 2022
As a very basic introduction to an idiosyncratic Wisconsin artist this is satisfactory, if not outstanding. I love the endpapers that use some of Mary Nohl's iconic art and the illustrations give an accurate view of her most readily observable outdoor art. The story certainly encourages creativity in the reader. There are some inaccuracies, however, and a lot is glossed over. Far more story than biography.
Book Pairings:
Mary Nohl: Inside & Outside though not for a child audience gives a much more thorough biography as well as a more complete photographic view of her work.
Book Pairings:
Mary Nohl: Inside & Outside though not for a child audience gives a much more thorough biography as well as a more complete photographic view of her work.
January 1, 2026
In Mary's Garden outraged me on behalf of the real Mary Nohl. Just because she was a single, childless woman living alone in a beach cottage, filling her yard with art, people started rumors that she was a murderess and a witch! That was in the 1960s, but to this day, I guess, there is an ongoing battle to have her art removed from the yard. My guess is real estate developers and politicians have their eye on her beach front property. Keep in mind Mary Nohl has been dead over 20 years now but the battle rages on. Save the cute beach cottage and save the art!
March 24, 2022
3.5 but rounded up because it doesn't feel like a non-fiction picture book.
I read this title for a Storytime/craft collaboration with the Pearl Fincher Museum art teacher. It was so cute. I feel like there was a lot of detail and whimsy packed into a standard 32pg picture book. It wasn't long winded and the children stayed super engaged with the story. I think that the personality of Mary Nohl was fascinating and the children seemed to connect with her, too. I would absolutely read again.
I read this title for a Storytime/craft collaboration with the Pearl Fincher Museum art teacher. It was so cute. I feel like there was a lot of detail and whimsy packed into a standard 32pg picture book. It wasn't long winded and the children stayed super engaged with the story. I think that the personality of Mary Nohl was fascinating and the children seemed to connect with her, too. I would absolutely read again.
January 29, 2018
This book was on my list of "not-boring learning books" according to my 6 year-old: http://honorsgradu.com/hunting-for-go...
I love the way Tina Kugler shares Mary Nohl’s love of making art for her own enjoyment. It’s a beautiful and important message for kids everywhere.
I love the way Tina Kugler shares Mary Nohl’s love of making art for her own enjoyment. It’s a beautiful and important message for kids everywhere.
March 5, 2018
This beautiful picture book describes one period in the life of Wisconsin artist, Mary Nohl (1914-2001) who created beautiful art purely for herself and the beauty it brought to her life. An author's note at the ending helps to explain the life of this creative lady. I highly recommend this book as a way to encourage young listeners and readers to let their creativity shine.
September 12, 2022
Interesting book based on a real artist, Mary Nohl. Mary created many interesting and different art sculptures to decorate her yard in Wisconsin, which attracts a certain number of visitors and tourists. Back matter shares that the neighbors do not like this traffic very much, but this book celebrates her creations in the hopes that others will also get to enjoy her art.
August 10, 2023
Beautiful illustrations and a great gift for a child who loves to make things .
I am fortunate enough to have met Mary when she was alive and toured the grounds and her home .
The jewelry she made was really exceptional .
Love her childhood inspired imagery .
The house and art is preserved by the John Michael Koehler Arts Museum if you are interested in reading more .
I am fortunate enough to have met Mary when she was alive and toured the grounds and her home .
The jewelry she made was really exceptional .
Love her childhood inspired imagery .
The house and art is preserved by the John Michael Koehler Arts Museum if you are interested in reading more .
December 27, 2019
Tells the story of Mary Nohl from childhood to building a sculpture garden at her home; the bulk of the story is about her building the first couple of sculptures.
There's a little not-like-other-girls early in the book.
There's a little not-like-other-girls early in the book.
May 12, 2023
This is a beautiful picture book biography about artist, Mary Nohl. Charming illustrations were created with watercolor, digital painting, collage, and vintage papers. In Mary’s Garden will make a great addition to your art, garden, or interesting people story time. Highly recommended.
February 28, 2017
A Wisconsin artist's start into her specialized art.
August 31, 2018
I love the message that art is everywhere, if you're looking for it.
February 14, 2018
Fun story format that tells about a little known artist. I really liked the author's note at the end telling more details about this artist.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews