The Secret Garden Devotional: A Chapter-by-Chapter Companion to the Beloved Classic by Rachel Dodge

I am honored to be a part of the launch team for Rachel Dodge’s latest book, The Secret Garden Devotional: A Chapter-by-Chapter Companion to the Beloved Classic. 

I’ve only read two books by Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden and A Little Princess. While I prefer A Little Princess, the insights Rachel brings out in her devotional make me fonder of the book and make me want to read the book alongside the devotional slowly. I’m a little over halfway through my first reading of The Secret Garden Devotional and it does not disappoint. 

Each chapter which corresponds to a chapter in the original book has a devotional, a personal application, and a prayer for today. The devotional grabs your attention, the personal application makes you think about your own walk with God, and then the prayer gives you words to let God know your heart and what he can do to help you. Rachel seamlessly blends quotes and phrases from The Secret Garden with scriptures and her own thoughts. The result is daily devotionals that the reader can’t help but want to put to use in their own lives. 

The illustrations are lovely and thoughtfully dispersed throughout the devotional. I love the ivy decorations that appear throughout as well. They are a gentle reminder of the garden. I like that Rachel uses different versions of the Bible for the scriptures she includes. 

The Secret Garden Devotional is perfect for fans of The Secret Garden specifically, children’s classics in general, or anyone looking for a thought provoking, insightful devotional. You can purchase The Secret Garden Devotional from Amazon, the publisher’s website, or Rachel’s website. 

Other Books by Rachel Dodge:

• Praying with Jane: 31 Days through the Prayers of Jane Austen
• The Anne of Green Gables Devotional: A Chapter-by-Chapter Companion for Kindred Spirits
• The Little Women Devotional: A Chapter-by-Chapter Companion to Louisa May Alcott’s Beloved Classic

(Review copy provided by author and publisher. Illustrated by Anastasia Nesterova. Barbour Publishing, 2022.)

Merry Christmas, Anne by Kallie George

It's Christmastime in Avonlea and Anne is feeling thankful for everything--her first Green Gables Christmas, a dress with puffed sleeves, and beaded slippers. She feels just like the fairy she's supposed to be at the school's Christmas concert. 

Thoughts: Kallie George and Geneviève Godbout are back with another delicious inspired by Anne of Green Gables picture book. This time it's Christmas and this book presents an Avonlea/Green Gables Christmas perfectly. I smiled all the way though the story. For those AOGG fans who have young daughters, these book are just right for introducing the youngest girls to Anne Shirley. The illustrations are soft colored and detailed. I love how Geneviève depicts my favorite characters. This book is not to missed! Find an activity sheet from the publisher here. (Search the page for Anne!) 

Themes: Christmas, Beloved Characters

Other Picture Books by Kallie George about Anne Shirley

• If I Couldn't Be Anne
• Goodnight, Anne

Early Chapter Books by Kallie George about Anne Shirley

• Anne Arrives 
• Anne's Kindred Spirits 
• Anne's School Days 
• Anne's Tragical Tea Party 

(Illustrated by Geneviève Godbout. Tundra, 2021.)

Cold Turkey by Corey Rosen Schwartz & Kirsti Call

Turkey wakes up freezing on a wintery morning. He's one cold turkey. He bundles up and heads outside. All his other farm friends are cold, too, so Turkey shares his clothing with them one by one. Soon Turkey doesn't have any clothes. He's freezing again, but this time he's a cold turkey with a warm heart. 

Thoughts: What a fun book to add to my winter storytime. The text is brief, but impactful. I like the implied shivering as the animals talk. Cold Turkey has inspired me to seek out other winter farm animals books. The illustrations are colorful and I love all the animals' expressions. 

Themes: Winter, Farm Animals, Friendship

(Illustrated by Chad Otis. Little, Brown and Company, 2021.)