Picture Book Review: A Garden Called Home by Jessica J. Lee and Elaine Chen

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Nurturing roots and cultivating love

In this touching, relatable picture book, beautifully illustrated by Elaine Chen, author Jessica J. Lee weaves a heartwarming tale of an immigrant mother, her daughter of diaspora and the magic of embracing two worlds. As a Greek mother raising my children in Scotland, “A Garden Called Home” touched me profoundly. It resonates with the universal experience of immigrants creating a home in a new land, while preserving the essence of their roots.

Plot and themes of “A Garden Called Home”

The narrative follows the journey of a mother eager to share the beauty of her homeland with her daughter, who is growing up in Canada. The story unfolds as they embark on a trip to the mother’s home country. The warm weather and breathtaking natural beauty enchant both mother and daughter. The narrative skilfully captures the mother’s nostalgia and the daughter’s newfound appreciation for her heritage.

Mother-daughter journey

The book’s main theme is the thoughtful exploration of the mother-daughter relationship, depicting the daughter’s genuine understanding of her mother’s longing for home.

Their trip to mum’s homeland Taiwan becomes a catalyst for a beautiful transformation. The little girl takes it upon herself to bridge the gap between her mother’s past and their present. Upon their return to Canada, she is determined to show her mum the beauty of nature in their new country. Pulling her away from her cosy couch and braving the cold and snow, it is now her turn to share the wonders of the local landscape. And to mum’s surprise, even in chilly weather, the nature around them is just as enchanting. Mother and daughter go on to create a garden that celebrates both cultures, proving that where there’s love and care, different seeds can coexist and thrive.

“A Garden Called Home”

The book’s idea of different origin seeds growing together in a garden really hits home. There’s something profoundly symbolic about a plant putting down roots in a specific place, echoing our heritage and identity. Reflecting on this, I couldn’t help but see a parallel in the name of my blog, Olive Thistle and Rose. It feels like a written version of such a garden, intertwining the iconic plants of England, Scotland, and Greece. It’s a personal journey and the book beautifully captured that sentiment for me.

My toddler reading the picture book "A Garden Called Home"

The illustrations and visual side of storytelling

Illustrator Elaine Chen has put a lot of care in developing both characters and environments. Her attention to detail is likely drawn from her own experience as a child of the diaspora. For instance, the interiors capture the nuances of Asian households with subtle touches, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the visual storytelling.
The illustrations let us enjoy the diverse flora of both lands, each with its unique colour palette. One bursts with vibrant greens, while the other is a calming canvas of white and blue. I loved the inclusion of crayon-like drawings along the main illustrations, shifting the point of view to the little girl’s take on the whole thing. It highlights the joint effort to make their home a harmonious blend of cultures.

Relatable scenes

Expats, mixed heritage, and two-home families will especially relate to the warm family hugs at Arrivals and Departures. It’s undeniably a nod-along moment for all of us. The mother and daughter looking out of the plane window struck a chord with me and my toddler, who has also experienced the excitement of flying back and forth between two countries.

My baby and toddler reading the picture book "A Garden Called Home"

Target Age and Educational Value

The book’s target age range of 3-7 is well-suited, allowing preschoolers to connect with the story’s themes of cultural diversity and familial love. At the time of our first reading, my toddler was not 3 quite yet (close though). She was mostly focused on observing all the different plants, food, vehicles, “props” and “costumes”. However she definitely grasped the concept of getting on the plane and traveling somewhere far away to see loved ones, as she had done that quite recently.

My daughter reading the picture book "A Garden Called Home"

I can’t wait to see her discover more layers of this story over our future read-throughs.

The book not only entertains but also educates on the following points:

  • It helps kids of immigrants understand why their parents might feel out of place sometimes.
  • It helps kids born to native parents understand that some families have a mixed makeup.
  • For adults living away from their homeland, it is a reminder of the beauty that blossoms when two worlds come together.

Final thoughts on “A Garden Called Home”

The picture book beautifully encapsulates the message of tending to the seeds of our heritage, allowing them to grow wherever life takes us. As I myself strive to cultivate a home that transcends borders, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to fellow mixed heritage families regardless of ethnicity. Buy the book on Amazon and all good independent bookstores, or ask for it at your local library.

"A Garden Called Home" picture book by Jessica J. Lee and Elaine Chen on my daughters' bookshelf

Related: More articles on mixed heritage kids.

Related: More articles on picture books.

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