Additional information
by Olivia Coates (Author), Samantha McLelland (Illustrator)
A little determination goes a long way in this inspiring story about creating
green spaces and building community.
Rosie loves nothing more than to dig and spend time with
people from her neighbourhood in the community garden. There's Mr. Dellagatti
who collects seeds, Annika who plays the violin, and even Esmeralda the chicken
who likes worms for breakfast!
But when the garden is sold to the Big Boss of a city company, Rosie looks on
helplessly as it is destroyed and replaced by a towering skyscraper. Where will
her friends from the garden go now? And what will happen to Esmeralda now that
her home is gone?
It's going to take some unexpected teamwork and a whole lot of bravery, but maybe
Rosie can find a solution that makes everyone happy.
Rosie's Garden is an inspiring story about preserving nature and standing up for the things that are
important to us. Through simple prose and beautiful illustrations, it explores
themes of environmentalism, urbanization and community in a way that will
engage younger readers and get them thinking about the world around them, and
the role we can all play in protecting it. Essential reading for any little
ones interested in nature, buildings, the outdoors - and digging!
Author Biography
Olivia Coates is an early childhood professional who is passionate
about the role of the natural environment in education and care for youngchildren. Since the beginning of her teaching career in 2005, Olivia has
secured numerous garden grants for local kindergartens and schools, and worked closely
with organisations who provide supported employment for people with a
disability. The projects targeted better access, inclusion and connection.
She adores visiting these gardens now and seeing children immersed in play amongst nature,
growing and harvesting vegetables, feeding chickens and collecting eggs,
learning the names and traditional uses of plants. The sense of community that
grows from these experiences - that's the magic. It shows that investing a
little bit of time really can have a lasting impact.
Rosie's Garden is Olivia's second picture book, following her debut Shadow
Wall (Ethicool Books, 2023).
Olivia lives in Allestree, Australia, on a dairy farm
with her husband, two children, two dogs, a cat, lots of chickens, a family of
huntsmans, and two very naughty goats named Hansel and Gretel.
Samantha McLelland is a freelance illustrator and former school
art teacher. When she is not drawing, Samantha enjoys pottery, spin class,
cooking, reading, and exploring the beautiful New England outdoors.
Samantha lives in Lexington, Massachusetts with her
husband and two children.
