What Is The Authors Purpose For Th Kevin Henkes Book My Garden

Open Preview

See a Problem?

We'd love your help. Let us know what's wrong with this preview of My Garden by Kevin Henkes.

Thanks for telling us about the problem.

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about My Garden, please sign up.

Be the first to ask a question about My Garden

Community Reviews

· 3,005 ratings · 330 reviews

Start your review of My Garden

Feb 24, 2010 Kathryn rated it really liked it

I didn't know anything about the book and was surprised to discover it is not so much about actual gardening (though there is a real garden the mom and daughter plant) as imaginative gardening as the little girl dreams of having a garden with no weeds or dead plants, and wants to plant seashells (to grow seashells, of course!) and jellybeans to grow candy plants. And there would be no carrots, because she does not like them ;-) Overall, I appreciated the imaginative approach, though I do love re I didn't know anything about the book and was surprised to discover it is not so much about actual gardening (though there is a real garden the mom and daughter plant) as imaginative gardening as the little girl dreams of having a garden with no weeds or dead plants, and wants to plant seashells (to grow seashells, of course!) and jellybeans to grow candy plants. And there would be no carrots, because she does not like them ;-) Overall, I appreciated the imaginative approach, though I do love real rabbits more than chocolate ones! (You'll see if you read this.)

I love Kevin Henkes, especially his "mouse books" (i.e., Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse) and was so excited when my library finally got a copy of this book. Fittingly enough, it came a few days after we did some planting in our own yard and I read this outside on a very pleasant afternoon :-) I'm not sure this is one of my favorite Henkes titles (it just lacks that extra depth of the mouse books, IMO, and I am not as big a fan of the illustrations style here) but it's definitely worth exploring especially if you have an imaginative little one interested in gardening.

...more

Apr 06, 2011 Lisa Vegan rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: encouraging imaginative kids to express themselves; garden lovers

Chocolate rabbits and strawberry lanterns, and flowers that change their colors and have patterns? Sign me up! No carrots and things such as buttons and umbrellas? No thank you. But, that's what makes this book such fun. Every reader/listener is encouraged to think about what their ideal garden might contain.

A lot of imagination, some humor and some whimsy, and a lot f fun.

I'm not sure I was wild about the illustrations, especially given what they could be given that the story is about gardens,

A lot of imagination, some humor and some whimsy, and a lot f fun.

I'm not sure I was wild about the illustrations, especially given what they could be given that the story is about gardens, but they're appealing. I did enjoy the many different colored birds.

This isn't one of my favorite Kevin Henkes's books, but it's cute, and it would be fun to hear the garden ideas children come up with after they've read/listened to this book. I'd have loved it as a child; I always wanted a (more conventional) garden.

...more

Jun 09, 2018 Wendi Lee rated it it was amazing

I borrowed this book from the library for my toddler on a whim. She normally picks books about cartoon animals, but we've been working in the garden together, and I thought it might be a nice change of pace. She loved it so much, she immediately asked me to read it again. I enjoyed the lush artwork and whimsical story. This definitely goes on our to-buy list. I borrowed this book from the library for my toddler on a whim. She normally picks books about cartoon animals, but we've been working in the garden together, and I thought it might be a nice change of pace. She loved it so much, she immediately asked me to read it again. I enjoyed the lush artwork and whimsical story. This definitely goes on our to-buy list. ...more

Oct 06, 2019 Abigail rated it liked it

Recommends it for: Kevin Henkes Fans

A young girl describes her own ideal garden in this paean to childhood imagination, envisioning a fantastic space with no weeds, chocolate bunnies that the girl can eat (rather than flesh-and-blood bunnies who eat the plants), flowers that automatically grow again, when picked, and soil in which anything that is planted - sea shells, jelly beans - will yield a crop. The colorful ink and watercolor illustrations have a simple, folksy feeling that accentuates the "simple" pleasures of a garden, wh A young girl describes her own ideal garden in this paean to childhood imagination, envisioning a fantastic space with no weeds, chocolate bunnies that the girl can eat (rather than flesh-and-blood bunnies who eat the plants), flowers that automatically grow again, when picked, and soil in which anything that is planted - sea shells, jelly beans - will yield a crop. The colorful ink and watercolor illustrations have a simple, folksy feeling that accentuates the "simple" pleasures of a garden, while also capturing the magical elements of the tale, from the sunflowers that change color, to the heavily-laden jelly bean tree.

Like so many of Kevin Henkes other "non-mouse" picture-books that I have read - most recently,

Old Bear - I found that I enjoyed My Garden, but did not think it outstanding. I certainly liked the idea of it (not to mention getting a kick out of the jelly-bean tree, as that's something I might have wished for myself, as a young girl), but somehow the end result was not as enchanting as one might expect, given the immense talents of this author/artist. I'm not one to say that artists shouldn't try new styles, and I certainly haven't disliked any of his recent work (which includes the Caldecott Medal-winning Kitten's First Full Moon), but I think in my heart of hearts I will always prefer Henkes' earlier "mouse" stories, both from an artistic and storytelling perspective. ...more

Apr 14, 2011 Ann rated it liked it

I love the concept of this book - a little girl who, while helping her mother in their garden, imagines the type of garden *she* would have. Her imagination is endless, from planting seashells to grow seashells, to jellybeans to grow candy plants, to all sorts of things in between!

I love books that inspire and promote imagination, and this book does just that.

I did feel though that the book needed more connection (the things to plant felt a little too random for me). And the bit about there not

I love books that inspire and promote imagination, and this book does just that.

I did feel though that the book needed more connection (the things to plant felt a little too random for me). And the bit about there not being real bunnies in the girl's garden, but instead chocolate bunnies that she could eat seemed just a little disturbing (not that I think it was meant that way, but, it was just a little odd for me...). Plus, I would love real rabbits way more than chocolate ones :)

All in all though it was an enjoyable book with vibrant illustrations!

...more

Mar 17, 2010 Jo rated it it was amazing

After reading the description, I wasn't sure if I was going to like this but I ended up loving it! It's surprisingly cute.

While helping her mother in the garden, a little girl daydreams about what her garden would look like if she had one. Tomatoes as big as beach balls, chocolate rabbits instead of real ones, flowers that can change colour just by thinking about it and when you pick a flower, a new one pops up!

I especially enjoyed the jelly bean bush and the strawberries that glow like lantern

After reading the description, I wasn't sure if I was going to like this but I ended up loving it! It's surprisingly cute.

I especially enjoyed the jelly bean bush and the strawberries that glow like lanterns.

The illustrations are amazing. Soft pastels and water colours really bring the story to life and the little girl is so adorable. I love the page where she's standing in the midst of hundreds of birds and butterflies.

I think any child would love a garden just like this!

...more

Sep 19, 2013 Jacoba rated it really liked it

My Garden by Kevin Henkes (2010)
Genre: Picture book
Format: Book
Plot summary: A young girl imagines her dream garden complete with jellybean bushes, chocolate rabbits, and tomatoes the size of beach balls.
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory (strong language, sex, death, religious overtones, violence, etc.): No special consideration
Review citation (if available: Novelist, Janssen, Carolyn School Library Journal , March 2010, Vol. 56 Issue 3, p119-120
Section source used to find the m My Garden by Kevin Henkes (2010)
Genre: Picture book
Format: Book
Plot summary: A young girl imagines her dream garden complete with jellybean bushes, chocolate rabbits, and tomatoes the size of beach balls.
Considerations or precautions for readers advisory (strong language, sex, death, religious overtones, violence, etc.): No special consideration
Review citation (if available: Novelist, Janssen, Carolyn School Library Journal , March 2010, Vol. 56 Issue 3, p119-120
Section source used to find the material: Children's Core Readling, Novelist
Recommended age:K-3rd grade ...more

Young girl imagines her perfect garden. Great colours, illustrations and ideas.

Aug 07, 2018 Lara rated it it was amazing

I loved the dreams in her garden. Such a simple imaginative take on gardening. My favorite one was the garden of seashells. Would be a great addition to a storytime on gardens or imagination.

And yes, this would be my type of garden.

Jun 02, 2020 Vernon Area Public Library KIDS rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Preschool - Grade 1

A little girl's imagination creates this colorful tale of what it be would like if she planted a garden! Flowers can change colors just by thinking it. Even chocolate rabbits and seashells would have a home in her garden. My granddaughter loves her mother's garden, and this is the perfect book for her!

Reviewed by Debbie Hersh, Circulation, Vernon Area Public Library

...more

May 05, 2018 Julia rated it really liked it

Whimsical book about what a girl would grow in her ideal garden. The illustrations make it look like she's having so much fun in the garden.

Jan 17, 2019 Tegan rated it really liked it

I love her imagination. I would definitely love a garden like this. A fun read-a-long where you could ask the kids what would be or wouldn't be in their garden. I love her imagination. I would definitely love a garden like this. A fun read-a-long where you could ask the kids what would be or wouldn't be in their garden. ...more

Mar 23, 2021 Pam rated it liked it

Imagination prevails as this young girl dreams of the garden she would create. Lovely illustrations pull the readers in.

Oct 31, 2012 Katt Hansen rated it it was amazing

A child helps in the garden and daydreams about all the things she would grow if the garden were hers. This was a delight to look at, and was filled with imagination and the wonder of trying to figure out just how things grow and which things planted in soil will net results (like jelly beans or seashells).

I wanted to go back and just look at the pictures all over again after reading this book. This is one that makes me smile, and makes me eager to work outside in my own garden. One for the favo

I wanted to go back and just look at the pictures all over again after reading this book. This is one that makes me smile, and makes me eager to work outside in my own garden. One for the favorites shelf!

...more

Nov 19, 2013 Anna rated it really liked it

My Garden / Kevin Henkes / 2010
Genre: fiction
Format: picture book

Plot Summary: After helping her mother weed, water, and chase the rabbits from their garden, a young girl imagines her dream garden complete with jellybean bushes, chocolate rabbits, and tomatoes the size of beach balls.

Considerations: none

Review Citation:
Booklist May 29 2013
"Young children will enjoy the girl's silly and ingenious exploits in her imaginary garden"

Selection Source: Booklist reviews
Recommended age: 0-5

My Garden / Kevin Henkes / 2010
Genre: fiction
Format: picture book

Considerations: none

Review Citation:
Booklist May 29 2013
"Young children will enjoy the girl's silly and ingenious exploits in her imaginary garden"

Selection Source: Booklist reviews
Recommended age: 0-5

...more

Imagination as well as flowers bloom in this book. A young girl, after working in her mother's garden, imagines what her own garden would be like: flowers would change colors, seashells would grow on stems, and carrots would be invisible, because "I don't like carrots." Henkes' artwork is bright and bubbly, often busy pastels that might overwhelm without the blissfully white and simple text pages facing each illustration. Imagination as well as flowers bloom in this book. A young girl, after working in her mother's garden, imagines what her own garden would be like: flowers would change colors, seashells would grow on stems, and carrots would be invisible, because "I don't like carrots." Henkes' artwork is bright and bubbly, often busy pastels that might overwhelm without the blissfully white and simple text pages facing each illustration. ...more

I like the general idea of this book and really liked the twist at the end and the beautiful illustrations. However the little girl growing chocolate bunny rabbits and then eating them instead of real bunny rabbits eating her mothers lettuce was just weird and made both me and my daughter go what??!
So apart from that glitch, a reasonable kids book.

Feb 27, 2010 Julie rated it it was amazing

Oh Kevin Henkes, I love your books!
"If I planted seashells, I'd grow seashells. if I planted jelly beans, I'd grow a great big jelly bean bush." This reminded of the time i buried charcoal all over my yard because i thought diamonds would pop out. Oh Kevin Henkes, I love your books!
"If I planted seashells, I'd grow seashells. if I planted jelly beans, I'd grow a great big jelly bean bush." This reminded of the time i buried charcoal all over my yard because i thought diamonds would pop out. ...more

Mar 31, 2015 Ms Threlkeld rated it really liked it

As someone who kills everything I try to grow, I approve of the fantastic garden imagined by the protagonist and wouldn't mind having a similar one. This book is a wonderful ode to the power of imagination and the vivid illustrations compliment the text perfectly. As someone who kills everything I try to grow, I approve of the fantastic garden imagined by the protagonist and wouldn't mind having a similar one. This book is a wonderful ode to the power of imagination and the vivid illustrations compliment the text perfectly. ...more

Great new title by Henkes. Reminds me of when I planted crayons, hoping more would grow.

Adorable with child-like illustrations and voice. Who wouldn't love to imagine a garden with glowing strawberries, or invisible carrots, or blooming umbrellas? Adorable with child-like illustrations and voice. Who wouldn't love to imagine a garden with glowing strawberries, or invisible carrots, or blooming umbrellas? ...more

1. Summary: This book is about a little girl who helps her mother take care of the garden, but she also imagines her own garden. She imagines the strawberries glow like lanterns, the rabbits are chocolate, she would grow seashells and tomatoes as big as beach balls.

2. Review: I think this is a great picture book because it shows imagination and creativity to young children. The little girl imagines her own magical garden and it will allow children to foster imagination as well. It also has beau

3. Elmer the Patchwork Elephant by David Mckee is a picture book you could pair with this book because they both allow for artistic creativity in the story and in response to the story. In Elmer, the elephants have many different patterns on them, and in My Garden, the girl imagines many different things in her garden.

4. "In my garden, there would be birds and butterflies, by the hundreds, so that the air was humming with wings".
I would use this quote to get students thinking creatively about their own garden that they would want to create.

...more

Living chocolate bunnies would be kind of gross, though.

It's cute, but it kind of implies that a magical garden like the girl describes actually exists. I think if it was clearer about that, it would be great. The narrator, a girl, describes her ideal garden, with no weeds, magical flowers, bunnies made of chocolate, seashells and jelly beans and umbrellas growing in the ground, and "The carrots would be invisible because I don't like carrots." That's cute. At the end, the girl plants a seashell

Living chocolate bunnies would be kind of gross, though.

I feel like it's going to give kids ideas that that kind of thing actually could happen. I understand that imagination is awesome, I do. But you can you can have a great imagination, and also have respect for the natural world and the hard work that people put into gardens and things like that.

Message: A magic garden would be awesome. Or, imagination is cool.

For more children's book reviews, see my website at http://www.drttmk.com.

...more

Apr 15, 2018 Kaitlin rated it really liked it

My Garden captures the innocence of being a child. As the young girl helps her mom in the garden, she begins to think of what her garden would be like if she had her very own. As her imagination runs wild, she thinks of planting shells, jelly beans, and wonders what she can do with the flowers. This fun and bright colored story is both engaging and entertaining. I enjoyed how the illustrations were representative of what the little girl was thinking for her own garden. I also really enjoyed the My Garden captures the innocence of being a child. As the young girl helps her mom in the garden, she begins to think of what her garden would be like if she had her very own. As her imagination runs wild, she thinks of planting shells, jelly beans, and wonders what she can do with the flowers. This fun and bright colored story is both engaging and entertaining. I enjoyed how the illustrations were representative of what the little girl was thinking for her own garden. I also really enjoyed the ending of the story. I thought it was fun the way that the author kept the characters hope of having her own garden alive. I think this would be a fun writing work shop book for my future students. After we are done reading this book, I think it would be great for the students to think of what they would want to grow if they could grow anything. ...more

A young girl helps her mother in her garden, and her imagination runs wild. In her garden flowers change colors, seashells grow, and strawberries glow in the night. With every new page, the girl is imagining new magical plants growing in her garden that have never existed before. The main theme of the story is imagination, as the girl makes up brilliant and funny plants that grow. She even makes sure carrots don't grow in her garden because she doesn't like those. It is a short, enchanting story A young girl helps her mother in her garden, and her imagination runs wild. In her garden flowers change colors, seashells grow, and strawberries glow in the night. With every new page, the girl is imagining new magical plants growing in her garden that have never existed before. The main theme of the story is imagination, as the girl makes up brilliant and funny plants that grow. She even makes sure carrots don't grow in her garden because she doesn't like those. It is a short, enchanting story that will stir imagination in children. In the end, she plants a seashell in her garden and a few roots grow out of it. It makes a clear line between what the real garden grows and what the girls imaginative garden grows, which is a good distinction to include. I enjoyed the book, although there is not much depth to it.
...more

Jan 27, 2018 Melissa rated it really liked it

A little girl helps her mother out in the garden and starts daydreaming about what her very own garden would be like. Flowers would change color with just a thought, and sea shells would grow, as would jellybeans. A flower would regrow as soon as it was picked and the rabbits would be made of chocolate. The book ends with the little girl sneaking out at bedtime to plant her sea shell in the garden and the last page shows it growing roots.

This would be a good book on growing things and distinguis

This would be a good book on growing things and distinguishing between things that can be grown in a garden and things that can't.

It would also be good for a unit on imagination.

It could also be used for a unit on the food pyramid/my plate because of the vegetables the mother grows.

...more

This book won the Charlotte Zolotow Award. The book is appropriate for kindergarten. The book follows a little girl who loves to garden with her mother. She begins by complaining about the weeds, she then proceeds to talk about her imaginary perfect garden. She includes chocolate bunnies and instant color-changing flowers in her garden. I love this book because of the hobby our main character is so interested in. I love the creative elements of her imaginary garen. The illustrations are also ver This book won the Charlotte Zolotow Award. The book is appropriate for kindergarten. The book follows a little girl who loves to garden with her mother. She begins by complaining about the weeds, she then proceeds to talk about her imaginary perfect garden. She includes chocolate bunnies and instant color-changing flowers in her garden. I love this book because of the hobby our main character is so interested in. I love the creative elements of her imaginary garen. The illustrations are also very unique and cohesive. This book can be suggested for independent reading in a classroom or be used as a read aloud to introduce a unit theme on plants or gardening.
...more

A creative young girl is empowered by her mother's garden. Her play time is when she dreams about what life would be like if she had her very own. Her imagination runs wild, trees were filled with jelly beans, color changing flowers, growing sea shells, and edible chocolate bunnies. This picture book is short, but is so fun to read. The illustrations were simply beautiful and so colorful that it made the story come to life. The imagery is so real that I could even picture my own creative garden. A creative young girl is empowered by her mother's garden. Her play time is when she dreams about what life would be like if she had her very own. Her imagination runs wild, trees were filled with jelly beans, color changing flowers, growing sea shells, and edible chocolate bunnies. This picture book is short, but is so fun to read. The illustrations were simply beautiful and so colorful that it made the story come to life. The imagery is so real that I could even picture my own creative garden. I like to garden on my free time, but this gardening would literally be so sweet. ...more

Feb 26, 2018 Diane rated it it was amazing

A little girl describes what kind of garden she would have. There would be no weeds and flowers that never stop blooming. Chocolate rabbits that you can eat. Flowers that change color just by thinking about a new color for them. "If I planted jelly beans, I'd grow a great big jelly bean bush."

A celebration of an imaginative little girl and the beautiful world she would like to create. It would be a great prompt for students to answer, as well. What would your garden be like?

...more

Kevin Henkes became an author/illustrator when he was nineteen years old, working on a card table in his bedroom.
Today he's the author of many award-winning picture books and novels. Kevin Henkes became an author/illustrator when he was nineteen years old, working on a card table in his bedroom.
Today he's the author of many award-winning picture books and novels. ...more