Jayden's Impossible Garden

by Mélina Mangal, Ken Daley (Illustrator)

Jayden and a new friend bring nature to the city in this timeless story about a community garden

Amidst all the buildings, people, and traffic in his neighborhood, Jayden sees nature everywhere: the squirrels scrounging, the cardinals calling, and the dandelions growing. But Mama doesn’t believe there’s nature in the city. So Jayden sets out to help Mama see what he sees. With the help of his friend Mr. Curtis, Jayden plants the seeds of a community garden and brings together his neighbors—and Mama—to show them the magic of nature in the middle of the city.
 
Timeless and vibrant, this story highlights the beauty of intergenerational relationships and the power of imagination and perseverance in bringing the vision of a community garden to life. Jayden’s love of nature will inspire readers to see their environment and surroundings as bursting with opportunities for growth and connection. At the back of the book, readers will find activities to make items found in the book, such as the milk jug bird feeder.
 
Jayden’s Impossible Garden is the winner of the 2019 African American Voices in Children’s Literature writing contest, cosponsored by Strive Publishing and Free Spirit Publishing, and the recipient of the 2021 Foreword INDIES Honorable Mention, Picture Books, Early Reader (Children's).
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Genres: Picture Books, Nature, Gardening, Friendship, Childrens, African American, Fiction

Hardcover

First published March 5, 2021

About the author

Mélina Mangal writes picture books, biographies, and short stories that focus on connections with nature and culture. She is the author of The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just, winner of the Carter G. Woodson Award, Jayden’s Impossible Garden, named One of the Best Children's Books of the Year by Bank Street Center for Children’s Literature, and the sequel, Jayden’s Secret Ingredient. Her latest YA short story appears in Boundless: Twenty Voices Celebrating Multicultural and Multiracial Identities. Mélina also works as a school library media teacher in Minneapolis, spreading book love daily.

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ahhhh I feel like this one had so much more potential than was showcased in the text. The story follows Jayden has he tries to see the potential of nature in a city. He ends up meeting Mr. Curtis who loves nature just as much as him, but doesn't get the chance to get out as much as he wants. Together the two create their ideal community garden within the city. I thought that the expression of the vastness of the determination and imagination of children was great; however, it was overshadowed by the constant negativity of his mother. I could understand her denial and disbelief one or two times, but she literally told him there was no nature in the city every time she appeared on page. It took away from the overall story in ways that I didn't expect. There was a missed opportunity to showcase the versatility of nature. Nevertheless, I thought that the artwork was great. I really enjoyed the use of bright colors over the brown skin of the characters. It work well and seemed to have a connecting theme between humans and nature.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this picture book! I love love loved! What a beautiful heartwarming story! A young boy lives to get outside and loves nature. He lives in a large city where his mom says there isn’t any nature, but he sees it. An elderly man in a wheelchair lives in his apartment building and has the same interest in nature he does. Together the build a fort out of discarded recyclables on the roof and grow seeds in them. Eventually people come to see what nature is around them. Written beautifully with perfect illustrations. This book just brightened my day. A great book to read aloud to kids. Adults will love it too!

[Stephanie A-M · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet book about the power of a child's will and imagination. I also appreciated the theme of friendship in the text. This is a great book to read with children who may need a reminder to see (and even create) the possibilities all around them.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jayden's an outside-in-nature guy living in a city.
But even though his mom says there's no nature in the city, he can see it everywhere.
He tries to tell her, but she doesn't understand.
Luckily, he has a neighbor (in a wheelchair, but the wheelchair is never mentioned) who DOES see nature in the city.
Together, they enjoy the nature they find and work to create more spots for nature to thrive in the city.

[Cornmaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jayden lives in a tall building/urban area, and notices nature all around him. His mother, however, doesn't believe there's any nature out there in the city. So Jayden teams up with an old guy from the apartment building who loves nature just as much as he does, and they build a fort of boxes/discards, planting flowers and veggies along the way. Finally the garden/fort is blooming beautifully, and Jayden's mom discovers nature.

This is a lovely story for kids to learn about simple gardening and how you can use old coffee cans/milk cartons to do it. The inside covers of the book have a gorgeous mum-like flower that invites to dive in to the story.

[Aolund · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet story of intergenerational bonding and love of the natural world. Jayden, a young Black boy, and Mr. Curtis, a Black elder, both love nature—even though their family members tell them there's "no nature" to be found in the heart of the city. Together, the two create a beautiful and creative garden in the yard of their apartment complex using recycled materials, ingenuity, and heart. Super sweet and full of great STEM extension activities.

Themes: Nature, Friendship, Garden, Community
Age range: Toddler-Early Elementary

[Lisa Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jayden’s Impossible Garden is a beautiful, vibrant celebration of imagination, community, and the hidden wonders of the natural world, no matter where you live. Mélina Mangal crafts a story that feels both timeless and incredibly relevant, especially for young readers growing up in busy cities. Jayden’s journey is inspiring, joyful, and filled with moments that encourage children to slow down, observe, and appreciate the beauty around them.

Despite the concrete, traffic, and tall buildings in his neighborhood, Jayden sees nature in every corner: cardinals calling from rooftops, dandelions pushing through cracks, squirrels bustling about. When Mama insists that there’s no nature in the city, Jayden’s determination to help her “see what he sees” becomes the heart of this touching story. With the gentle guidance of his neighbor Mr. Curtis, Jayden sparks an idea that grows, quite literally, into a community garden that brings everyone together.

Ken Daley’s illustrations are bold, expressive, and full of life, perfectly complementing the book’s themes. His artwork captures the movement, color, and energy of the city while highlighting the quiet beauty of nature flourishing within it.

The story shines in its portrayal of intergenerational friendship, teamwork, and perseverance. Jayden’s passion reminds readers that even small acts, planting a seed, feeding a bird, sharing a vision, can transform a community. The added activities at the back of the book are a wonderful bonus, encouraging hands-on exploration.

Heartwarming, educational, and visually stunning, Jayden’s Impossible Garden is a must-have for every young nature lover's bookshelf.

[Medeia Sharif · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jayden lets his mom know that he loves how nature surrounds him, but she insists that there’s no nature in the middle of a big city. She doesn’t seem to notice the flowers, trees, birds, squirrels, and other natural things around her. Jayden, along with his new friend Curtis, will prove her wrong. Through determination and dedication, they build a beautiful community garden. There is backmatter on the plants and animals mentioned, as well as directions for gardening crafts. This is a lovely book that will open people’s eyes to the importance of greenspace, no matter where they happen to live.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you have books about inner city gardening? This is a simple story of a boy and a neighbor who love to watch birds and insects and notice growth outside of their city apartment building. The illustrations by Ken Dailey are brightly painted and encourage the use of recycled materials for building a little garden for insects and birds and humans to enjoy. There is an author note and directions for some recycled crafts that will allow readers to experience what is experienced by the characters in the book. This is a worthwhile addition to an elementary school collection.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

All sorts of "messages." Disability, diversity, intergenerational friendship, nature deficit disorder (as exhibited by the adult female naysayers), reuse & recycle, community-building, etc. But it's still a joyful story book, emphasis on story, with vibrant & appealing illustrations. Highly recommended to any family, whether they live in a city or not.

Best of all, the efforts these two characters make could be made by almost anyone and be as successful... unlike certain other 'urban nature' or 'urban garden' themed books.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thank you to Free Spirit Publishing in connection with SLJ's Picture Book Palooza for the eARC. This in no way changed my rating**

The story is about a boy named Jayden who's mom keeps telling him there is a no nature in the middle of the city. But with the help of his elderly neighbor, Jayden is able to transform a community space into a magical garden for all of his neighbors to enjoy, even in the middle of the city. The art in this is enchanting and inviting. I really liked this reminder than even urban spaces can be sources of nature.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I loved Jayden's spirit and his friendship with Mr. Curtis but I grew tired of his mom's constant refrain about the lack of nature. Jayden and Mr. Curtis found a way to grow beautiful flowers and plants even in the city. They inspired their neighbors and gave them a beautiful private garden. Though I understand the mother's weariness and focus on her view, it was too much of a contrasting view.

[Holly Mueller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite Jayden's mother repeating "There's no nature here in the middle of the city", Jayden KNEW there was, and his older friend, Mr. Curtis, agrees. Together they transform a corner of the city into a creative garden. Add this one to a text set that includes Harlem Grown, The Bear's Garden, Ada's Violin, Curious Garden, and Maybe Something Beautiful.

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jayden is EVERYTHING! I loved how curious he remained about nature even when he was surrounded by concrete and buildings. He got so creative about building his own garden and sharing it with his whole community. It’s a beautiful example of community building and solidarity as well as the beauty of a child’s curious mind.

[Ms. B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nature can be found anywhere, even in a city. Be observant to the world around you. This reminded me of Eve Bunting's Flower Garden, a 1990s story about urban gardens.

[Armando Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this book because it helps the reader find beauty and nature in the most unexpected places. I really like the relationship Jayden builds with his neighbor who gives him wisdom and helps him see the world from a different perspective. I would read this book with individuals who may need help emotionally. Opening their perspective on the world may help them cope with their emotions.

[Tina Hoggatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story of a boy in the city drawn to nature, how he makes friends with a man in his building who shares his interest, and the garden they make. I will say that Mama is mighty sure there is no nature in the city. Lovely illustrations by Ken Daley. The back matter gives kids information and things to make and do.

[Travelmaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and illustrated story of a young boy who finds nature in the city. He's repeatedly told the city has no nature. Jayden and an older man in his building team up to recognize and create a natural space in their neighborhood. A story of hope, multigenerational support, and making a difference in the world.

[Jolene Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's so much to love in this gorgeous book! Jayden is a nature-loving boy, but his mom says there's no nature in the city. Jayden knows that isn't quite true, and he notices his neighbor Mr. Curtis enjoying nature, too. They work together to reuse and repurpose things and create something beautiful. Highly recommended for all homes, schools, and libraries!

[Mindy Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Jayden creates a magical secret fort garden in the middle of the city. It will inspire you and your child to plant something together and watch it sprout and grow! The back matter includes two fun how-to projects using recycled materials.

[Heather Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous book with a wonderful main character who can see nature, even in the middle of a big city. Jayden and his new friend make their own nature spot where everyone can see and enjoy it. The illustrations are wonderfully full of color.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming story about nature, friendship, and making the world a more beautiful place.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gardening, POC main character, intergenerational

[Children's Literature Centre at FSU · Rating 5 out of 5]

A incredible story about how you can sew beauty anywhere

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pair with My Rainy Day Rocket Ship for creativity/imagination themes. Pair with other urban garden picture books for a text set.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeing the beauty in his city, he befriends an older man and they add to the beauty with a garden of their own. Wonderful friendship.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jayden’s garden is “impossible” only because his mother keeps harping on the sterility of their urban environment—that is, until Mr. Curtis waters the latent seeds in Jayden’s imagination and helps him cultivate his creativity in ways that result in the greening of the whole neighborhood. The story is marred by Jayden’s mother’s repetitive assertion of negativity, which creates a false conflict that detracts from Jayden’s inspiring intergenerational friendship with Mr. Curtis and their creative collaboration. Vibrant illustrations demonstrate just how fertile the imagination can be even in the most hostile and seemingly sterile environments.

[Susan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gloriously illustrated story of making your own miracles and oasis. Will inspire your young readers and hopefully urge them to imitate some of the methods in this book. :-)

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

grades K-4