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The Upside-Down Gardener
Step into a city where winter feels endless, patience is tested, and a tiny garden becomes the beginning of something extraordinary.
In a quiet space, between brick walls and busy streets, hope waits just beneath the soil, ready to surprise anyone willing to look a little closer.
When spirited city girl, Dory Oslo longs for spring, color, and the joy of being outside, her mother suggests planting a small garden together. Dory loves the idea--but waiting for things to grow is harder than she ever imagined. When nothing seems to happen, she does what any determined child might do; she tries to help in her own creative, funny, and completely unexpected ways.
What begins as a simple gardening project soon turns into a whimsical adventure filled with imagination, gentle humor, and moments of wonder. As Dory's efforts unfold, the ordinary city around her starts to feel just a little magical, pulling readers forward page-by-page. Children lean in with curiosity, eager to see what happens next, while grown-ups feel that familiar tug of 'just one more page.'
At it's heart, The Upside-Down Gardener is a touching story about growth, change, and learning that some things can't be rushed. It supports emotional development by honoring impatience while gently guiding children toward resilience, kindness , and creative problem-solving.
Playful surprises and dreamlike moments blend seamlessly with everyday life, creating a cozy, comforting tone that invites laughter, wonder, and connection.
Be prepared for smiles, giggles, and requests to keep reading. This is a story that brings children and adults together, sparking conversations that linger long after the book is closed.
Why readers love The Upside-Down Gardener:A quietly powerful story about patience, growth, and becoming more than you expectA world where imagination gently reshapes everyday momentsIllustrations that invite lingering, looking closer, and feeling moreA read-aloud experience that turns into shared silence, smiles, and connectionA story families discover--and then never quite forgetA Females in Fiction Award-Winner
In a quiet space, between brick walls and busy streets, hope waits just beneath the soil, ready to surprise anyone willing to look a little closer.
When spirited city girl, Dory Oslo longs for spring, color, and the joy of being outside, her mother suggests planting a small garden together. Dory loves the idea--but waiting for things to grow is harder than she ever imagined. When nothing seems to happen, she does what any determined child might do; she tries to help in her own creative, funny, and completely unexpected ways.
What begins as a simple gardening project soon turns into a whimsical adventure filled with imagination, gentle humor, and moments of wonder. As Dory's efforts unfold, the ordinary city around her starts to feel just a little magical, pulling readers forward page-by-page. Children lean in with curiosity, eager to see what happens next, while grown-ups feel that familiar tug of 'just one more page.'
At it's heart, The Upside-Down Gardener is a touching story about growth, change, and learning that some things can't be rushed. It supports emotional development by honoring impatience while gently guiding children toward resilience, kindness , and creative problem-solving.
Playful surprises and dreamlike moments blend seamlessly with everyday life, creating a cozy, comforting tone that invites laughter, wonder, and connection.
Be prepared for smiles, giggles, and requests to keep reading. This is a story that brings children and adults together, sparking conversations that linger long after the book is closed.
Why readers love The Upside-Down Gardener:A quietly powerful story about patience, growth, and becoming more than you expectA world where imagination gently reshapes everyday momentsIllustrations that invite lingering, looking closer, and feeling moreA read-aloud experience that turns into shared silence, smiles, and connectionA story families discover--and then never quite forgetA Females in Fiction Award-Winner
40 pages, Paperback
Published November 2, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 9, 2021
'The Upside-down Gardener'
Author: Chrysa Smith
Illustrated by: Pat Achilles
Everyone will enjoy this fabulous imaginative read about a young girl named Dory Oslo who is so looking forward to spring. She notices people smile more when it's warmer and more colorful. Her mother keeps her positive by showing Dory how to plant a garden and add her own color!👩🌾🌻🌹🌳
Dory thought there was no way plants would grow in their little backyard area with little sun, but her mother was persuasive in helping Dory get involved in a new project.
Dory had quite a dilemma, she tried everything to get those little seeds to grow but nothing was happening fast enough. All she wanted was warmer weather, bright colors, people to smile and her new bright colored uniform to play baseball.
This magical story is filled with imagination, introducing children to try something new, learn to be patient, approach to brainstorming and problem solving.
😀 Wait till you see how this story got it's name and what Dory decides to do to bring joy to everyone in her neighborhood!🤗
**Keep an eye out for this read aloud on my YouTube channel and I am on IG @storywithmskim Don't forget to Subscribe and 'ding' the 🔔 to receive notification!
February 11, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
The Upside-Down Gardner By Chrysa Smith
The Upside-Down Gardner is a cute and colorful story that teaches children to be patient in a fun and imaginative way.
This story is about a city girl Dory Oslo, who unwillingly agrees when her mom tells her to plant a garden if she wants some color in life.
She planted some flower seeds in their tiny piece of dirt and wanted them to grow quickly. She tried various things to wake up those tiny seeds like placing an alarm clock and blowing a whistle etc. What happens after that is nothing short of a miracle. Now you have to read how she became the first upside-down gardener of the city.
This book teaches children self-control techniques to be patient and encourages them to try new things. The Illustrations are vibrant and colorful so that children can understand the story by the pictures themselves
It's a fun-filled read for young and creative minds and a good way to teach them about the beauty of nature.
Perfect for 3+
This book is available on Amazon.
The Upside-Down Gardner By Chrysa Smith
The Upside-Down Gardner is a cute and colorful story that teaches children to be patient in a fun and imaginative way.
This story is about a city girl Dory Oslo, who unwillingly agrees when her mom tells her to plant a garden if she wants some color in life.
She planted some flower seeds in their tiny piece of dirt and wanted them to grow quickly. She tried various things to wake up those tiny seeds like placing an alarm clock and blowing a whistle etc. What happens after that is nothing short of a miracle. Now you have to read how she became the first upside-down gardener of the city.
This book teaches children self-control techniques to be patient and encourages them to try new things. The Illustrations are vibrant and colorful so that children can understand the story by the pictures themselves
It's a fun-filled read for young and creative minds and a good way to teach them about the beauty of nature.
Perfect for 3+
This book is available on Amazon.
March 26, 2021
Detailed Review Of "The Upside Down Gardener" By Chrysa Smith
Thanks to author for the review copy.
Genre - Children's Book
Ratings 4.8/5
The Upside Down Gardener is an amazing story of Dory Oslo who agrees with her and start to do gardening. Its a very intriguing story and kept you hook and it's a type of story which you will like to read to your child.
Title of the book is very nice and it's a highlight for me.
The cover of the book is also very amazing and look very cool. I really loved the way it looks.
Illustrator has done an amazing job I really loved all the Illustrations.
The language of the book is simple and easy to read. The writing style of the author is also pretty simple and error free. Kids can easily understand it.
Moreover it's an amazing read and I would highly recommend this book to all the parents for thier kids.
Thanks to author for the review copy.
Genre - Children's Book
Ratings 4.8/5
The Upside Down Gardener is an amazing story of Dory Oslo who agrees with her and start to do gardening. Its a very intriguing story and kept you hook and it's a type of story which you will like to read to your child.
Title of the book is very nice and it's a highlight for me.
The cover of the book is also very amazing and look very cool. I really loved the way it looks.
Illustrator has done an amazing job I really loved all the Illustrations.
The language of the book is simple and easy to read. The writing style of the author is also pretty simple and error free. Kids can easily understand it.
Moreover it's an amazing read and I would highly recommend this book to all the parents for thier kids.
February 9, 2021
The Upside-Down Gardener is a Children's Book written by the author Chrysa Smith and illustrated by Pat Achilles. Story features a little girl Dory Oslo. Her mom told her that she could be a gardener by planting a seed. Dory's mom guided her to plant a seed. Now, Dory couldn't wait to see bright and beautiful flowers in their garden. Will flowers grow in the right manner in her garden?
This is an adorable story that will inspire kids to learn a new skill. They will also learn to have patience. Illustrations are beautiful and the title of the book couldn't have been better than this. Cover photo is lovely. Kids might develop an interest in gardening too after reading this book. It is a quick and short read that I like to recommend to little readers.
This is an adorable story that will inspire kids to learn a new skill. They will also learn to have patience. Illustrations are beautiful and the title of the book couldn't have been better than this. Cover photo is lovely. Kids might develop an interest in gardening too after reading this book. It is a quick and short read that I like to recommend to little readers.
May 25, 2026
THE UPSIDE-DOWN GARDENER is a simple but imaginative story in which the author plants the seeds of creativity and mixes reality and nighttime dreams.
The story can strengthen the mind's eye and help readers understand that if they work hard and dream of achieving a goal, the dream can absolutely come true.
The story is well-written and well-edited.
The visuals are classic, gentle, and eye-catching.
If you are looking for a simple story that reminds children that their dreams matter, the author/illustrator team may awaken your little one's curiosity and unlock a door to his/her imagination.
The story can strengthen the mind's eye and help readers understand that if they work hard and dream of achieving a goal, the dream can absolutely come true.
The story is well-written and well-edited.
The visuals are classic, gentle, and eye-catching.
If you are looking for a simple story that reminds children that their dreams matter, the author/illustrator team may awaken your little one's curiosity and unlock a door to his/her imagination.
November 23, 2025
A whimsical story with a magical twist, The Upside-Down Gardener blooms with charm. Dory’s journey from reluctance to wonder is heartfelt and fun, and kids will love the surprising garden that takes root. A sweet tale about growth and embracing change.
May 9, 2023
Dory was a spunky character and her dream about planting a garden was so vivid, she thought it was real life! An endearing story, perfect for Earth Day!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews