The Gardener

The Gardner, written by Sarah Stewart and illustrated by David Small, was an accidental find from a garage sale that quickly became a household favorite on the first page with the name Lydia.  My middle child's name is Lydia and she is "small, but strong" just like the Lydia in the book.  She instantly identified with Lydia's ability to make friends and interest in gardening and flowers.  This book would be a must for the school library.

The book is a series of letters written during from a young girl, Lydia Grace Finch, starting in August 1935 and ending in July 1936.  They begin as letters to her Uncle Jim explaining that she needs to come "help" hm at his bakery during The Depression, while her father looks for a job.  Her letters continue to her Mama, Papa, and Grandma as the story unfolds.  Lydia's optimism, love for flowers, and determination to bring a smile to grim Uncle Jim's face, will bring tears to your eyes.  The ink and water color drawings bring the story to life and show the true heartache this family felt through the trials and tribulations of the year.  You can't help but to fall in love with such a sweet girl like Lydia Grace.