Troll Illustrated Classics. Series
The Secret Garden
on Goodreads (1,210,822)
What’s inside...
Ten-year-old Mary comes to live in a lonely house on the Yorkshire moors and discovers an invalid cousin and the mysteries of a locked garden.
Age
8-11
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Discussion points
What do you think made Mary change her attitude towards others throughout the story?
How do you think the garden helped Colin in his recovery?
Why is it important to have friends and people who care about us?
What can we learn from the way Mary and Colin treat nature?
How do you think the characters would have been different if the garden wasn't secret?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own secret garden and describe what it would look like and what they would grow.
Discuss the themes of healing and transformation. Relate these to personal experiences or observations your child may have had.
Highlight the importance of empathy and kindness by discussing how the characters’ relationships evolved through understanding and caring for each other.
While reading, point out descriptions of the garden's rejuvenation and ask your child how these moments make them feel, linking emotions to the scenery.
After reading, involve your child in a gardening project or a nature walk to practically connect with the themes of growth and nurturing.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The healing power of nature
Explanation: The story showcases transformation as the characters spend time in the garden, nurturing the plants and witnessing the revival of the previously abandoned garden.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of connecting with nature and experiencing outdoor activities to enhance their physical and mental well-being.
Example Lesson: Friendship and compassion
Explanation: Throughout the book, Mary, Colin, and Dickon develop a deep bond that illustrates the impact of caring and cooperative relationships.
Real-World Application: Kids can understand the significance of building friendships and showing empathy towards others, helping them cultivate meaningful relationships in their lives.
Example Lesson: Resilience and personal growth
Explanation: Mary and Colin overcome personal and physical challenges, demonstrating the importance of perseverance and self-improvement.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of facing difficulties with determination and the continuous pursuit of self-growth.
Example Lesson: The impact of positive thinking
Explanation: Colin’s transformation is significantly influenced by a change in his mindset about his health and abilities, demonstrating the power of positivity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to adopt a positive outlook that can profoundly affect their capabilities and perceptions of themselves.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: Mary's curiosity leads her to discover the secret garden and unravel the mysteries within the mansion, showing the benefits of exploration.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be inquisitive and explore the world around them, which can lead to learning and personal development.