A review by cosmicbookworm
The Secret Garden by Kate Lewis (Illustrator)

medium-paced

3.0

"Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett, illustrated by Kate Lewis, is a reproduction of a century-old children's book, this time with beautiful illustrations. I never took the time to read this book as a child, so this was a fun opportunity.

The book may be appropriate for children ages 8 to 12 years old. (Although the length of the book may present a challenge). At this age, children are typically able to appreciate the book's themes, which include friendship, self-discovery, and the healing power of nature. The story's main characters, Mary and Colin, may resonate well with readers in this age group as they navigate their personal growth and transformation. The illustrations, while beautiful, may be appreciated more by adults, so this is best as a collector's edition.

Mary Lennox is a neglected and spoiled girl whose parents die. She is sent to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven, at Misselthwaite Manor. She discovers a secret garden that was locked after the death of Mrs. Craven. Mary finds the key to the garden and enters, embarking on a journey of transformation and healing. Along the way, she meets Ben Weatherstaff, the gardener. With each visit to the garden, Mary experiences changes within herself.

Mary discovers her sickly cousin, Colin, who has been hidden away. Mary and Colin form a secret bond and begin working on the garden together. Colin starts to believe in the healing power of the garden, and their newfound happiness spreads to others in the manor.

Authors and publishers need to address potentially disturbing language and content, especially regarding racial issues and stereotypes, directly in the text rather than relegating those comments to footnotes. The use of footnotes can downplay their significance and hinder readers' comprehension. Many people have yet to read a footnote. A more effective approach involves revising the text to integrate discussions of these themes, providing context and critical analysis within the narrative to enhance readers' engagement and understanding of the cultural and historical implications. This approach would help readers engage more deeply with the material and foster a more nuanced understanding of the text's cultural and historical implications. My 3-star rating is the result of the use of footnotes rather than incorporating discussion into the text.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to review this eARC in exchange for my honest review.