LOVE GROWS HERE

Kind, cuddly, community-minded critters keep a garden growing during the gardener’s prolonged illness.

Mabel and Stan, a rosy-cheeked older couple, live in an “ordinary house,” but their garden, filled with curving paths, abundant plants, a greenhouse, and an apiary, is marvelous. It also contains creatures who fill Mabel’s days with cheer. She’s created a welcoming environment for all, even the mouse family that’s just moved into the shed. When Mabel is taken away in an ambulance, all the anthropomorphized creatures are concerned. As the days drag on and Mabel doesn’t return, not only does the garden fall into disrepair, but the mice recognize that Stan is suffering, too, seemingly lost without his beloved counterpart. The animals who were cared for so tenderly by Mabel return the favor by looking after the garden (and Stan) until she returns. With its focus on community care, neighborly love, and outreach to older adults, the story is both uplifting and important—forging bonds with our elders in their sunset years brings connection and combats loneliness for everyone involved. Though adult readers may find the narrative a tad saccharine, the child-friendly message is entirely appropriate for its intended audience. Bright, lively watercolor illustrations fill the pages with cheer. Mixes of full-page spreads and spotlighted illustrations surrounded by white space add dimension and variety to the layout. Human characters have pale skin.

A heartwarming story with a timeless message.