Larsen, Andrew. The Imaginary Garden. Kids Can Press Ltd.: 2009. ISBN: 9781554532797.
The Imaginary Garden follows little Theo and her grandpa as they create a garden for Grandpa’s new apartment. Because the concrete jungle of the city disables Grandpa from actually planting a garden similar to the one at his old house, he and Theo must think of an innovative way to appreciate nature outside. When Grandpa leaves on vacation, Theo’s responsibility, creativity, and devotion to the imaginary garden are tested. This charming story reveals a unique companionship held between child and grandparent, allows readers to experience the infinity of an imagination, and makes clear the power of visualization in order to alter your environment. Although the text of the book has much dialogue, for me, the book is about the illustrations. Irene Luxbacher creates a colorful, innocent, and whimsical world by using multiple medium. Her colorful texture and pattern infused objects emphasize the most important parts of the picture as well as provide contrast to the background which is black pen and ink. Anyone who loves to learn, create, garden, or imagine will love the innocent naivety of a childhood experience found in this book.
Jennifer Christopher, Bowling Green State University, EDTL 6950
The Imaginary Garden follows little Theo and her grandpa as they create a garden for Grandpa’s new apartment. Because the concrete jungle of the city disables Grandpa from actually planting a garden similar to the one at his old house, he and Theo must think of an innovative way to appreciate nature outside. When Grandpa leaves on vacation, Theo’s responsibility, creativity, and devotion to the imaginary garden are tested. This charming story reveals a unique companionship held between child and grandparent, allows readers to experience the infinity of an imagination, and makes clear the power of visualization in order to alter your environment. Although the text of the book has much dialogue, for me, the book is about the illustrations. Irene Luxbacher creates a colorful, innocent, and whimsical world by using multiple medium. Her colorful texture and pattern infused objects emphasize the most important parts of the picture as well as provide contrast to the background which is black pen and ink. Anyone who loves to learn, create, garden, or imagine will love the innocent naivety of a childhood experience found in this book.
Jennifer Christopher, Bowling Green State University, EDTL 6950
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