The Secret Garden: A Graphic Novel Book Review
The Secret Garden: A Graphic Novel by Mariah Marsden is a creative adaptation of this classic novel. With simple, yet delightful illustrations, this graphic novel captures the spirit of the beloved classic.
It’s a great read for kids and tweens which is why I chose The Secret Garden (graphic adaptation) for my kid’s graphic novel online book club in 2024.
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The Secret Garden: A Graphic Novel
Ivy Noelle Weir
Genre: Fiction, Graphic Novel
Length: 192 pages
First Published: 2021
View on Amazon | View on Goodreads
Publisher’s Description: The Secret Garden: A Graphic Novel
“Ten-year-old Mary Lennox arrives at a secluded estate on the Yorkshire moors with a scowl and a chip on her shoulder.
First, there’s Martha Sowerby: the too-cheery maid with bothersome questions who seems out of place in the dreary manor. Then there’s the elusive Uncle Craven, Mary’s only remaining family—whom she’s not permitted to see.
And finally, there are the mysteries that seem to haunt the run-down place: rumors of a lost garden with a tragic past, and a midnight wail that echoes across the moors at night.
As Mary begins to explore this new world alongside her ragtag companions—a cocky robin redbreast, a sour-faced gardener, and a boy who can talk to animals—she learns that even the loneliest of hearts can grow roots in rocky soil.”
My Goodreads Review
This graphic adaptation of the classic story, The Secret Garden, provides a beautiful graphic alternative to the novel. The story is much shorter so readers won’t find nearly the character development from the original story but will be introduced to the characters and basic plot points.
The graphic adaptation does a wonderful job of capturing the mood of the story in the illustrations with the selected color palette. Readers will notice the mood changes as the story progresses. It was a fun discussion in my online graphic novel book club.
The Secret Garden: A Graphic Novel: Discussion Questions for Your Homeschool Study
1. Look at the first few pages of the book. How would you describe the mood of the story? How did the illustrator create the mood using the graphics?
2. Do you think Colin is dying? What do you think is really happening with him?
3. If you have read the original novel, how does this graphic version compare?
Homeschooling With Graphic Novels: Discussion Questions To Help You Get Started
Grab this set of questions designed to facilitate a great discussion about any book with your kids:
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She believes that creativity, laughter, and fun are the backbone for engaging and inspiring homeschools. You can find her encouragement and tips on this blog, Mary Hanna Wilson.
She is an enneagram 7 and an extrovert. She enjoys traveling, tea (iced or hot), good conversations, and books. You can connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
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