Mr. Carey's Garden
What’s inside...
Mr. Carey's neighbors are constantly giving him advice on how to eliminate the snails in his garden that damage his plants. However, Mr. Carey views the situation differently, seeing beauty in it. One night, the neighbors witness the snails creating gleaming silver ribbons in the moonlight and the damaged plants casting beautiful, lace-like shadows.
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Mr. Carey feels when he takes care of his garden?
Can you describe how the garden changes from the beginning to the end of the story?
Why do you think the garden is important to Mr. Carey and his friends?
How do the animals in the book interact with the garden, and what does that tell us about nature?
If you had your own garden, what would you plant in it and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to visualize by asking them to draw Mr. Carey’s garden or a garden they would like to create.
Use expressive questions to delve deeper into the emotional aspects of the story, asking about feelings and motivations of characters.
Relate the story to personal experiences, such as times when your child has helped someone and how it made them feel.
Discuss the concept of growth, both in gardening and personal development, to connect the themes with your child's experiences.
Foster a connection to nature by planning a small gardening project together, or visiting a local garden to see the similarities and differences compared to Mr. Carey's garden.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story depicts Mr. Carey taking daily care of his garden, showing consistent tending and nurturing of his plants.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of regular care and attention in tasks, whether it’s feeding a pet, cleaning their room, or doing homework.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: Mr. Carey patiently waits for his plants to grow, teaching that results are not immediate, and sometimes time is required to see the fruits of one’s labor.
Real-World Application: Kids understand that some aspects of life, like learning a new skill or waiting for their birthday, require patience and time.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: The book illustrates the beauty and variety of Mr. Carey's garden, instilling a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to observe and respect their environment, promoting activities like planting trees or maintaining a small garden.
Example Lesson: Generosity
Explanation: Mr. Carey shares the produce from his garden with neighbors, showcasing the joy of sharing and caring for others.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of sharing with others, whether it’s their toys, snacks, or time, fostering a sense of community.
Example Lesson: Observation Skills
Explanation: The narrative encourages observing subtle changes and diversity in the garden, enhancing attention to detail.
Real-World Application: Helps children apply observational skills in school subjects like science or art, and in everyday life, noticing more of their surroundings.