Carpenter, Angelica Shirley. Secret Gardens of Frances Hodgson Burnett, The. Helena Pérez García, Illus. Bushel & Peck, 04/2024. [44]pp. Biography. Trade $18.99. 978-1-63819-150-6. GRADES Kindergarten–4. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Although few children still read the classic books by Frances Hodgson Burnett, such as The Secret Garden (1911), A Little Princess (1905), and Little Lord Fauntleroy (1886), movies made from her work remain popular. This picture book biography describes her life in a simple and clear way, noting her struggles with family members’ deaths, her divorce, and money issues. With just one paragraph per spread and the repeated phrase “she could imagine anything,” this makes a great readaloud. The deeply colored illustrations appear to be accomplished using gouache and convey the later Victorian time period. There is a large die-cut keyhole on the front cover. The book includes many details in the back matter, including more on her life, a timeline, bibliography, and a letter from Burnett’s great-great-granddaughter with advice on life.
Penny Peck—San José State University iSchool