The Fan Brothers’ debut picturebook is a winner! Night Gardener (not to be confused with Jonathan Auxier’s book with the same title) was a class favorite this year due to the mysterious story and the whimsical illustrations. Our 2nd graders love surprises under the cover, and this book did not disappoint! The first page turn reveals a black and white world, and the adults seem downtrodden and preoccupied. The children, even the smallest, seem to be searching for something to believe in. One morning, a tree in front of The Grimloch Orphanage is transformed into a topiary owl. As the moon rises, William, a small boy who lives at the orphanage, is full of excitement about what surprises the next day will reveal. As the story continues, more trees become the canvas to the night gardener, a quiet artist, who creates his masterpieces when the city sleeps. The color intensifies in the detailed illustrations, evoking mood with each new topiary. The Fan Brothers’ use of ellipses provide perfect stopping points for making predictions. The feel of the neighborhood begins to change as neighbors congregate, revealing a multicultural tapestry on Grimloch Lane offering children and teachers a segue into discussions of cause and effect. William follows the night gardener into Grimloch Park and something wonderful happens. When the night gardener leaves Grimloch Lane, what will become of the city? What will become of William? This magical, hopeful story is sure to become a classic!
Mentor Text Ideas: Ellipses, Cause and Effect, Mood
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