The Art Garden

Sadie wants to be an artist more than anything. She loves playing with color and finding shapes in unlikely places. But whenever Sadie picks up a paintbrush, she makes a big mess. How will she express her creativity if she can’t even paint a flower?

Full of beautiful watercolor illustrations and vibrant depictions of nature, The Art Garden is an encouraging story about friendship, the joy of gardening, and finding your own way of being creative. Join Sadie and her best friend Tom as they explore the garden, bake cakes, chase tadpoles and play. Young readers will delight in the bright colors and imaginative antics of the two budding artists.

Sadie explores her creativity throughout the book, and one day when she suddenly looks at things from a different perspective, she makes a big discovery! Maybe being an artist doesn’t have to mean being a painter like Tom – maybe she can create a work of art using a talent she already has…

This whimsical, inspiring story is the perfect way to encourage little ones to find their own creative flair. Both a celebration of nature and of the variety of art, it encourages children to explore different ways of expressing themselves and highlights the importance of individuality and self-acceptance.

“"offer(s) a new perspective to those who don't see themselves as creative just because they cannot paint. It opens up lots of potential for discussion about how each of us is creative even if "we can't draw a straight line.This is quality."”

"offer(s) a new perspective to those who don’t see themselves as creative just because they cannot paint. It opens up lots of potential for discussion about how each of us is creative even if “we can’t draw a straight line.This is quality."
"From a teacher’s perspective ‘The Art Garden’ provides lots of starting points in the areas of maths, language and science.ie looking at patterns and colours, developing different arrays, using a magnifying glass in the school ground environment and considering words like swishing and swirling. This book would be of value to a teacher in the P-2 area"
“… gives readers, who may not be adroit artists, an alternative way to express their artistic desires. It is a visually and texturally gorgeous conduit encouraging creative individuality – and tree climbing!” Boomerang Books
“there is more than one way to achieve her desires showing the reader to look for their strengths. This is a hardcover book with lovely illustrations” School Days Magazine
“The Art Garden is permission to create anything in any way the reader wants” The Sunday Telegraph
“a special story about the power of friendship … it highlights the importance of creative self-expression.” The House of Wellness

Penny Harrison is a children’s author, book reviewer, garden writer and lifestyle journalist. A professional writer for more than 20 years, she has contributed to a range of leading Australian magazines, newspapers, guides and books, writing about everything from raising toddlers to raising chickens. Penelope Pratley has been mucking about with paint since she was a small girl. With a Bachelor of Fine Art and a Bachelor of Teaching, she has taught art from preschool to high school. She now works from her home studio as an illustrator, tutoring aspiring artists, and producing and selling her work under the business name Penelope’s Nest.

Sadie wants to be a painter, just like her best friend, Tom. She loves playing with colour and finding patterns in unusual places.But whenever Sadie picks up a paint brush she makes a big mess. It's not until Sadie takes a look at things from a different perspective that she makes a big discovery about herself and her own creativity.

Sadie wants to be an artist more than anything. She loves playing with color and finding shapes in unlikely places. But whenever Sadie picks up a paintbrush, she makes a big mess. How will she express her creativity if she can't even paint a flower? Full of beautiful watercolor illustrations and vibrant depictions of nature, The Art Garden is an encouraging story about friendship, the joy of gardening, and finding your own way of being creative. Join Sadie and her best friend Tom as they explore the garden, bake cakes, chase tadpoles and play. Young readers will delight in the bright colors and imaginative antics of the two budding artists. Sadie explores her creativity throughout the book, and one day when she suddenly looks at things from a different perspective, she makes a big discovery! Maybe being an artist doesn't have to mean being a painter like Tom - maybe she can create a work of art using a talent she already has... This whimsical, inspiring story is the perfect way to encourage little ones to find their own creative flair. Both a celebration of nature and of the variety of art, it encourages children to explore different ways of expressing themselves and highlights the importance of individuality and self-acceptance.

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