Plants and gardens

Paddington in the Garden

There are lots of books out there celebrating the wonder of the natural world - whether it's the power of flowers, spectacular plants or a bit of great gardening. Here are just some of our favourites.

  • The Night Gardener

    The Night Gardener

    Author: The Fan Brothers
    Publisher: Frances Lincoln
    Interest age: 4-9
    Reading age: 5+

    A sumptuously illustrated, heart-warming tale of a sad town and lonely orphan, given new life by the kindness of The Night Gardener. There is little text, leaving the emotional impact to the gorgeous pictures. This has the feel of an instant classic.

  • There’s a Tiger in the Garden

    There’s a Tiger in the Garden

    Author: Lizzy Stewart
    Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
    Interest age: 4-6
    Reading age: 6+

    A sweet and surreal story with lush painterly illustrations and a high quality production. Nora's tiger is sure to delight little ones who dream of tigers coming to tea, and then staying to play in the garden!

  • Tom's Midnight Garden

    Tom's Midnight Garden

    Author: Philippa Pearce
    Publisher: Oxford University Press
    Interest age: 9-11
    Reading age: 9+

    With no garden or children to play with Tom feels lonely and unhappy, until one night he hears the clock striking thirteen and discovers a secret garden.

  • Boffin Boy and the Poison Garden

    Boffin Boy and the Poison Garden

    Author: David Orme Illustrator: Peter Richardson
    Publisher: Ransom Publishing
    Interest age: 8-14
    Reading age: 7+

    Both loyal Boffin Boy fans, and those discovering the series for the first time, will enjoy this outlandish adventure about a famous female scientist who is planting trees that look disturbingly like people and animals.

  • A Child's Garden: A Story of Hope

    A Child's Garden: A Story of Hope

    Author: Michael Foreman
    Publisher: Walker Books
    Interest age: 6-8
    Reading age: 8+

    In a war-torn, barbed wire-fenced landscape, a boy finds a seedling and cultivates it, attracting insects and birds, bringing joy to all.

  • Mighty Min

    Mighty Min

    Author: Melissa Castrillón
    Publisher: Alison Green Books
    Interest age: 4-7
    Reading age: 5+

    Min is a tiny girl who lives in a miniature house at the bottom of the garden with her four small-but-mighty aunts. This delightful tale of kindness, courage and ingenuity is accompanied by exquisite pencil drawings in warm, gentle colours. 

  • Errol’s Garden

    Errol’s Garden

    Author: Gillian Hibbs
    Publisher: Child’s Play
    Interest age: 4-6
    Reading age: 5+

    Errol loves gardening, but he doesn’t have a garden. Then he comes up with a creative solution, thanks to the discovery of a disused area at the top of his apartment block. A heartwarming book with universal appeal that's a delight, from beginning to end. 

  • Pairs! In the Garden

    Pairs! In the Garden

    Author: Smriti Prasadam-Halls Illustrator: Laura Scobie
    Publisher: FrancesLincoln Children’s Books
    Interest age: 2+
    Reading age: 3+

    This busy, colourful book flows with fun, rhyming text that is great for reading aloud. The detailed illustrations can be used to help identify many types of bugs, colours and flowers, making it a great learning tool for early readers.

  • The Little Gardener

    The Little Gardener

    Author: Emily Hughes
    Publisher: Flying Eye Books
    Interest age: 4-7
    Reading age: 6+

    With diverse illustrations, and a clear story to follow, this wonderful book is the perfect read - especially when your own garden is full in bloom.

  • Anywhere Farm

    Anywhere Farm

    Author: Phyllis Root Illustrator: G. Brian Karas
    Publisher: Walker Books
    Interest age: 4-6
    Reading age: 5+

    Rhyming text and warm illustrations create an uplifting tale that celebrates the joys and pleasures of growing not just food and flowers, but also friendships and communities.

  • Bloom

    Bloom

    Author: Nicola Skinner
    Publisher: HarperCollins
    Interest age: 10-13
    Reading age: 9+

    Sorrel Fallowfield is very well-behaved, but her world is about to be turned upside down when she discovers a mysterious packet of seeds. A surreal, sideways take on conformity and the power of breaking the rules.

  • Hug Me

    Hug Me

    Author: Simona Ciraolo
    Publisher: Flying Eye Books

    This is one of the loveliest and heart-warming stories around, with gorgeous illustrations to boot. A wonderful picture book that deserves a spot on your bookshelves.

  • Paddington in the Garden

    Paddington in the Garden

    Author: Michael Bond
    Publisher: HarperCollins
    Interest age: 4+
    Reading age: 7+

    • Part of the beloved series following Paddingon Bear and the Brown family.
    • Paddington lends a paw in the garden, with some funny results!
    • Preschoolers will love the illustrations and hearing you read the story.

  • Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

    Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

    Author: Dusti Bowling
    Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
    Interest age: 10-12
    Reading age: 10-12

    Aven’s dad has just been offered a new job, managing a rundown theme park. And it turns out the theme park conceals some surprising secrets… With likeable characters and quirky humour, readers are likely to find this an inspiring and charming read. 

  • The Magic Faraway Tree

    The Magic Faraway Tree

    Author: Enid Blyton
    Publisher: Farshore
    Interest age: 7+
    Reading age: 7+

    When Joe, Beth and Frannie move to a new home, an Enchanted Wood is on their doorstep. And when they discover the Faraway Tree, it proves to be the beginning of many magical adventures! Join them and their friends Moonface, Saucepan Man and Silky the fairy as they discover which new land is at the top of the Faraway Tree.