A Child's Garden by Michael Foreman is a beautifully illustrated book that tells the story of survival, renewal, and hope. The boy's town and home have been destroyed by war and now a wire fence surrounds him and his neighbors. Yet, one day, a small piece of green is seen poking through the rubble and dirt. The boy takes care of the plant and nurtures it as it grows and thrives.
While the text and illustrations may seem simple, the story and theme are deep. Students have to think deeply to understand the soldiers' motives behind their actions. This is a story you will want to spend a great deal of time talking carefully about.
