Tom's Midnight Garden
#1 of 1 in Tom's Midnight Garden Series
What’s inside...
This exquisite graphic novel adaptation of Philippa Pearce's Carnegie Medal-winning Tom's Midnight Garden reimagines a beloved classic in a new, full-color format. With stunning art from award-winning graphic artist Edith, readers will be swept up in this transcendent story of friendship. When Tom's brother gets sick, Tom's shipped off to spend what he's sure will be a boring summer with his aunt and uncle in the country. But then Tom hears the old grandfather clock in the hall chime thirteen times, and he's transported back to an old garden where he meets a mysterious girl named Hatty. Tom returns to the garden every night to have adventures with Hatty, who grows a little older with each visit. As the summer comes to an end, Tom realizes he wants to stay in the midnight garden with Hatty forever. Winner of the Carnegie Medal, Tom's Midnight Garden is a classic of children's literature and a deeply satisfying time-travel mystery. This stunning graphic novel adaptation from award-winning French artist Edith transforms Philippa Pearce's story into an engaging visual adventure.
Character compass
Tom Long
Aunt Gwen
Hatty Melbourne
Uncle Alan
Discussion points
How do you think Tom feels when he discovers the garden? What would you feel if you were in his place?
What do the different characters in the garden teach Tom about life and friendship?
Why do you think the garden is only accessible at midnight? What does it symbolize?
How do Tom's adventures in the garden change his perception of time and reality?
Can you think of any place special to you, like the garden is to Tom? What makes it special?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own secret garden. Ask them to describe what it looks like and what magical things might happen there.
Discuss the historical setting of the book to provide context for Tom's world, and compare it with your child's world today.
Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and thoughts after each major event in the story, linking them to the characters’ experiences.
Use open-ended questions to foster deeper thinking about the themes of friendship, growth, and the passage of time depicted in the book.
After reading, engage in a creative activity, like drawing scenes from the book or writing a short story about their own midnight adventure.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and empathy
Explanation: In 'Tom's Midnight Garden', Tom forms a deep friendship with Hatty, and through their nightly adventures, he learns to understand and feel the emotions of another, seeing life from her perspective.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by nurturing empathy and understanding towards their peers. This promotes healthier social interactions and fosters a supportive community environment.
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity and exploration
Explanation: Throughout the story, Tom's curiosity leads him to explore the mysterious garden, discovering not just its secrets but also learning about history and the passage of time.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to explore their surroundings and ask questions boosts their cognitive development and stimulates their interest in learning new things about the world.
Example Lesson: Understanding change and growth
Explanation: As Hatty grows up in the midnight garden, Tom observes the changes and realizes the inevitable nature of aging and growth over time.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in accepting changes in life and understanding that growth is a natural part of life. It helps them cope with transitions and changes within their own lives and environments.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: Tom's adventures in the garden, which may or may not be real, highlight the power and vividness of a child's imagination in creating entire worlds and stories.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to use their imagination as a tool for creativity and problem solving in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of loneliness
Explanation: Tom feels isolated in his real-world surroundings but finds solace and company in the midnight garden, showing resilience and adaptability.
Real-World Application: Children learn that loneliness can be countered by finding refuge in their hobbies, interests, or imaginative worlds, teaching them to find happiness and company within themselves and their passions.