By: Elowen Gray
Through the adventures of a young girl named Adele, Polly takes us back to a time when gardens held secrets and a simple seed could grow into a lesson about life. Polly Richards’ new children’s book, Adele and the Whispering Garden, is an excellent example of storytelling and nature’s wisdom. At a time when so many kids are glued to screens, this book invites them to look outside, dig their hands into the soil, and find magic in the simplest of things.
Why Polly Richards Wrote This Book
For Polly, writing Adele and the Whispering Garden was a deeply personal project. It’s rooted in her lifelong love of gardening and a desire to share that love with the next generation. Inspired by her time in her garden and coordinating a community plot for her church, Polly wanted to create a story that would spark curiosity and a sense of wonder in children.
“I’ve seen firsthand how gardening can transform people,” she shared. “It’s not just about growing vegetables; it’s about growing together, finding joy in little things, and learning patience. I wanted to capture that feeling in a story for kids.”
This inspiration also came from Polly’s memories of her childhood, filled with outdoor adventures and the joy of discovering nature. She noticed that many kids today miss out on these simple pleasures, often opting for tablets over tree climbing. Adele and the Whispering Garden is her gentle nudge for families to reconnect with the outdoors.
Who Will Love This Book
While the story is aimed at children aged 6 to 18, it’s truly a book for anyone who believes in the magic of nature. Kids who enjoy tales of adventure, talking animals, and a touch of fantasy will find themselves right at home. But it’s also a treasure for parents and teachers who want to introduce children to gardening in a fun and engaging way.
The book features charming characters like Albert the Gnome, who brings the garden’s history to life, and Lulu the Ladybug, who teaches young readers about pollination. It’s a perfect read for families looking for an educational and bonding experience and for classrooms focusing on environmental studies.
“We don’t often think about it, but kids are naturally curious about the world around them,” Polly explains. “This book is for those kids who love to ask ‘why?’ and ‘how?’ and for the parents who want to encourage those questions.”
A Book That Offers More Than Just a Story
Beyond the charm, Adele and the Whispering Garden serves as a gentle guide to sustainable practices. The story introduces children to simple gardening tips, from starting a compost pile to planting a seed. It’s written in a way that feels like play rather than a lesson, making it easy for kids to get involved.
Polly hopes that readers will feel empowered to try gardening themselves, even if it’s just a tiny herb pot on a windowsill. “The best part about gardening is that anyone can do it, no matter how small the space,” she says. “It’s about connecting with nature, one small step at a time.”
The book also touches on deeper themes of responsibility and caring for the environment. Through Adele’s journey to bring an old garden back to life, young readers learn that even small acts of care can make a big difference. It’s a story that encourages kids to get outside, be curious, and discover the joy of nurturing something that grows.
A Story to Inspire and Delight
The Whispering Garden isn’t just a storybook—it’s an invitation. Polly has crafted a tale full of heart, encouraging children and their families to take a break from their busy lives and reconnect with nature. It’s about the magic found in dirt-streaked hands, the excitement of watching a sprout peek through the soil, and the quiet lessons learned from tending to a garden.
At its heart, the book celebrates the simple, beautiful things in life. It’s for the child who wants to know where their food comes from, the parent who wants to share a unique experience with their little one, and the teacher looking for a creative way to talk about the environment.
Polly sums it up best: “I hope readers feel inspired to get outside and make their own little bit of magic. Whether it’s planting a flower, starting a compost bin, or just sitting in a quiet garden spot, there’s something truly special about connecting with the earth. That’s the feeling I wanted to capture, and I hope it shines through in Adele’s story.”
In a world that can feel hectic and overwhelming, Adele and the Whispering Garden is a gentle reminder of the joy to be found in slowing down, getting your hands dirty, and watching something beautiful grow.
Published by Drake M.
