Cooper is inside a garden and to his surprise, he discovers a door in a hedge.
“A door!” said Cooper. “In a garden! Why have a door in a garden?”
Encouragement to open it comes from a gentle voice upon the wind. Cooper opens his first door on his journey through a magical world of flowers, mysterious paths and tunnels, colour, birdsong, music and more doors – large and small.
The gardens he discovers are from ancient cultures around the world. Some are still and silent, some bursting with bright blossom. Fountains gurgle, stairs, terraces and seats lay before him. Faces from fences watch him as he tip-toes past.
Suddenly he’s dwarfed in a giant’s garden, then he becomes a giant himself! Creatures join him, buzzing, bobbing, and strutting before him, while lions gaze from atop majestic staircases.
When faced with 3 choices, he struggles with his decision, but the results are the answer to all his questions about the secret gardens he has found.
Who knew that NZ has its own Secret Garden? Not only one but multiple gardens joined by intriguing doors, big and small.
This gorgeous hardback is a celebration of the award winning Hamilton Gardens on the banks of the Waikato River in Hamilton NZ. The text is lyrical, fun and sometimes mysterious. As a young boy ventures through a strange door, the garden itself answers his many questions, opening his eyes and imagination to the wonders surrounding him.
The illustrations take the reader inside the garden with Cooper, portraying different garden styles and times over thousands of years. His curiosity draws him through more doors to discover their secrets. A map of Hamilton Gardens in the rear of the book shows even more possibilities for awe and appreciation – Cooper has only found a third of what’s waiting for visitors!
A botanical time-travel adventure paired with the marvels nature gives us. A gentle Read Aloud for Age 2-6
Author – Sarah Johnson
Illustrator – Deb Hinde
Picture Book
See more about these amazing Garden here
(2020, Hamilton Gardens, NZ Gardens, New Zealand, Aotearoa, Secrets, Adventure, Walk through Time, Imagination)