Celia Planted a Garden: The Story of Celia Thaxter and Her Island Garden by Gary D. Schmidt, Melissa Sweet, Phyllis Root
Published by Candlewick Press on May 17, 2022
ISBN: 1536204293
Pages: 40
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads

This beautiful picture book tells the story of Celia Laughton Thaxyer, a poet and nature lover who spent much of her life bouncing between the mainland and Appledore Island. It begins with her childhood where her father was a lighthouse keeper, and follows through her married life where she spent much of her time longing for island life while raising a family on the mainland. She’s most famously known for her poem about gardens and her love of flowers, and the wildlife they attract, is the focus of this book. Melissa Sweet’s colorful mixed media illustrations really bring movement and life to the story. Each two page spread also features a some of Thaxter’s own writing artistically rendered. The story is text heavy so not recommended for the youngest readers. It is best for one on one sharing, perhaps followed by a walk through a garden to spot flowers and wildlife. Recommended for readers 5 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha library, Damariscotta, ME