Additional information
by Winn Rietema (Author), Danielle Boschman (Illustrator), Yvonne Clarke (Illustrator)
Jamie is a kind-hearted and imaginative child who feels overwhelmed when he is told "no" by his dad. As Jamie turns inward to explore his big emotions, he discovers a magical inner garden-one that needs care, patience, and understanding. With gentle curiosity, Jamie learns that he can become his own gardener: a calm, compassionate presence who listens to and tends every feeling with kindness. Through this journey, Jamie realizes that he is the steady, caring Self who can guide all parts of his inner world with empathy and respect.
"The Brave Gardener" invites children to explore their emotions with curiosity and courage, reinforcing the powerful message that there are no "bad" feelings-only feelings that are trying to help. Every emotion has a purpose, and when children learn to listen to themselves with kindness, they grow stronger, more balanced, and more confident.
Designed to support children as they navigate family relationships, school stress, peer challenges, and feelings of being unheard, this story helps normalize emotional experiences while reducing shame. By gently encouraging children to externalize, understand, and care for their emotions rather than suppress them, *The Brave Gardener" fosters self-compassion, emotional awareness, and lifelong resilience.
