Examiner.com

Saturday March 20th is the first day of spring in 2010, in the Northern Hemisphere. Say good bye to winter with a new family book.

The Secret Garden is a charming novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. In autumn 1910 the story was published in serial format; a year later, in 1911, it was published as a book in its entirety. It is classic children's literature and perfect as a family springtime read.

The story is about Mary, a sickly, privileged little girl born in India, who, after orphaned is sent to live with a reclusive uncle, still mourning the loss of his wife. Mary learns of a secret garden, and once she finds the key a robin shows her where the door is hidden. As the story unfolds the reader meets Dickon, who is a boy that has a gift with both plants and wild animals.

The second mystery line is solved when Mary discovers the owner of nightly weeping, Colin. Your children will enjoy the relationship of this bedridden boy as Mary deals with his petulant disagreeable ways, much like she used to be.

With Mary and Dickon's friendship Colin is soon outside delighting in the garden. The three children's tend and love the garden, as pages turn it flourishes as does the health, and friendship of the children.
The ending will touch your family's soul as Mr. Craven returns home to find two Miracles…

As spring arrives, and small flowers struggle to poke out of the ground in your yard The Secret Garden is a just the book to inspire young gardeners. The story is filled with mystery and charm with an appreciation for nature.

It is also a perfect book to do text to life comparisons. What is happening in your yard? What can your child do to help the plants in your yard? Of course a little pack of seeds, The Secret Garden, and a little spade would be the perfect spring time gift for your family or a special child.

Happy spring,
R.R.Cratty
The Secret Garden is available at Google Books, Amazon.com, book stores and your local library.