Lucy and the Green Man by Linda Newbery

If you read any mythology, you're sure to have run into the Green Man before.  Here is how he is described, in part, on Wikipedia:  " Found in many cultures around the world, the Green Man is often related to natural vegetative deities springing up in different cultures throughout the ages. Primarily it is interpreted as a symbol of rebirth, or "renaissance," representing the cycle of growth each spring."

This is a David Fickling Book out in hardcover now (thank you for my review copy).  It's a middle grade reader for ages 8-12.

I found this to be a wonderful story about a child who loves her grandfather and his garden and who can "see" the little green man who helps him with his gardening chores.  Her parents and her grandmother think it's all make believe, but she and Grandpa Will know better.

When her grandfather suddenly dies of a heart attack and her grandmother sells the cottage, it almost breaks her heart.  Especially when a developer takes it over and clears the land for new housing.  Where will the little green man go?  Will she ever see him again?

Ms. Newbery is very good at expressing the joy of working outdoors in the garden and watching things grow.  The child misses the garden almost as much as her grandfather.  While the green man is travelling to find the right place to call home, Lucy is beginning to create her own garden and trying to recover the joy she shared in it with her grandfather.

A bit of fantasy and magic, lots of love, and belief in the future make this book full of hope rather than sadness.

Why not visit your local bookstore today and pick up a copy?  It's a good read and children should enjoy watching for their own little green man.  (You can even find him in the city, don't despair.)

Happy reading.