Noah's Garden: When Someone You Love Is in the Hospital
What’s inside...
Noah and his family are living in The Children's Hospital because his new sister, Jessica, was born with a serious medical condition. Normal family life is suspended indefinitely for Noah, but in the true spirit of childhood, he spends his days in the hospital garden, creating an imaginary world, longing for the day when Jess can join him.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Noah
Discussion points
How do you think Noah felt when he had to stay in the garden while his loved one was in the hospital?
What are some ways Noah tried to stay close to his family member even though they were apart?
Can you think of a time when you missed someone? What helped you feel better?
Why do you think gardens are important in the story? How do they help Noah?
If you were Noah, what would you do to feel connected to your loved one in the hospital?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about separation or missing someone, relating it to Noah’s experience in the story.
Discuss the role of the garden in the story, and explore whether your child sees any special places as comforting during difficult times.
Ask your child to think about alternative endings or other ways Noah could support his loved one, fostering creative thinking and empathy.
Validate any emotions your child shares during the discussion, providing reassurance and understanding, much like the comforting themes of the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through Noah’s experiences and emotions while his grandfather is hospitalized, children learn to understand and share the feelings of others in similar situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by offering emotional support to friends or family members experiencing illness or other challenges.
Example Lesson: Coping with Uncertainty
Explanation: The book explores Noah's journey of dealing with the unknown outcomes of his grandfather’s health, teaching children that uncertainty is a part of life.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop resilience and maintain a positive outlook during uncertain times in their personal experiences.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family
Explanation: Noah’s interactions and reliance on his family members during a difficult time highlights the supportive role that family can play.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and seek support from their family during times of personal difficulties or crises.
Example Lesson: Expressing Feelings
Explanation: The storyline encourages expressing emotions through Noah’s open discussions with his parents about his fears and hopes.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the healthy habit of discussing their emotions and concerns with others, rather than bottling them up.