Jayden's Impossible Garden (Jayden)
by Mélina Mangal (Author) Ken Daley (Illustrator)
Jayden and a new friend bring nature to the city in this timeless story about a community garden
Amidst all the buildings, people, and traffic in his neighborhood, Jayden sees nature everywhere: the squirrels scrounging, the cardinals calling, and the dandelions growing. But Mama doesn't believe there's nature in the city. So Jayden sets out to help Mama see what he sees. With the help of his friend Mr. Curtis, Jayden plants the seeds of a community garden and brings together his neighbors--and Mama--to show them the magic of nature in the middle of the city.
Timeless and vibrant, this story highlights the beauty of intergenerational relationships and the power of imagination and perseverance in bringing the vision of a community garden to life. Jayden's love of nature will inspire readers to see their environment and surroundings as bursting with opportunities for growth and connection.
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Publishers Weekly
A creative Black boy named Jayden carves out a natural space for himself with the help of a friend in this compassionate picture book. Jayden loves spending time outside, but his Mama believes "there's no nature here in the middle of the city." When Jayden befriends Mr. Curtis, a Black man who uses a wheelchair, the pair cultivate nature in their "magical secret fort garden," sowing flower seeds in recycled planters around the grassy lot behind their building. Mangal's emphasis on sensory details makes natural elements feel tangible (Jayden "watched squirrels scrounge for snacks.... He felt fat, furry snowflakes as they fell from the sky and landed on his face"), while Daley's saturated art spotlights joyful moments. A warm portrayal of an intergenerational friendship that will inspire similar projects. Back matter includes an author's note, facts about the featured flora and fauna, and instructions for recycled crafts. Ages 4-9. (Mar.)
Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
Working at the intersection of nature, literature, and culture, Mélina Mangal's writing highlights youth whose voices are rarely heard, and the people and places that inspire them to explore their world.
She is the author of short stories and biographies for youth, including The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just, winner of the Carter G. Woodson Book Award and named an NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People.
Mélina also works as a school library teacher in Minnesota and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, whether it's in her backyard or hiking in the woods.
Ken Daley is an artist and an award-winning illustrator of two picture books, Joseph's Big Ride and Auntie Luce's Talking Paintings (Kirkus Review and Américas Award Honorable Mention).
Ken draws inspiration for his work from his African-Caribbean roots, his life experiences, and the people and cultures he encounters along the way.
Ken was born in Canada and currently lives in Ontario with his wife and two pets.
JUV000000 - Juvenile Fiction | General
JUV029010 - Juvenile Fiction | Nature & the Natural World | Environment
JUV074000 - Juvenile Fiction | Diversity & Multicultural
City and town life
Nature
Mothers and sons
People with disabilities
Neighborhoods
