I’m reviewing a children’s book today. Written by Tracy Wathen-Jones, illustrated by Sarah-Leigh Wills, Marigold the Organic Garden Witch is a charming book telling the story of two good little witches, Marigold and Clover, who do their best to protect the garden vegetables from slugs by using organic methods such as using grit, eggshells and nematode worms. Two other witches, Bramble and Bindweed, do their level best to thwart their efforts however so the battle of good against evil commences.
Young readers (5-9) are introduced to other gardening concepts such as companion planting and selling their garden produce. It’s the kind of book that could enthuse young children to start gardening, particularly if they are wondering if there are fairy witches hiding behind the cabbages and beetroot!
Some of the sentences are a little long but it is well structured with dialogue presented in a different colour font. The illustrations are charming and absolutely gorgeous. Of course, the ‘bad witches’ wear dark colours and the ‘good witches’ wear pastels. I loved the pictures of the witches riding on the backs of the slugs.
Win A Copy
You can follow the witches on twitter too. Book purchase details are here for buying online and it can also be purchased at Ballymaloe. ?and the great news is Tracy has offered to give one lucky commentator a copy of Marigold the Organic Garden Witch (must be located in Ireland or the UK). ?All you have to do is leave a comment saying why you might like to win this book or if you can add to Tracy’s ideas for improving children’s knowledge about organic gardening, I’d love to hear it.
Disclosure: Tracy sent me a copy of Marigold the Organic Garden Witch to review and for my daughter to enjoy too 🙂 K is nearly ten and found it a little too young so I suggest it is great for 4-8 year olds.
Lorna
Sorry, I totally forgot about this until the other day when Dee’s comment reminded me that I hadn’t pulled a name. Kate pulled a name from the hat and it was MT McGuire 🙂
Dee Sewell
Agree Lorna, the illustrations are beautiful. Ella found it a bit young for her too aged 10 so think you’re probably right with aged 7 or 8.
Lorna
Just realised I totally forgot to do this – will choose a winner shortly – name being pulled out of hat by 9 yo I think!
Amanda Webb
I love the front cover. What did you kids think of it Lorna? Or is it too young for them?
Lorna
Kate has actually advanced a lot with her reading in the last 3 months (is nearly ten). She felt it was too young for her which is why I suggest up to 8 years of age but of course, it all depends on the child too. The illustrations are wonderful.
Imen
This sounds lovely! Geoffrey may be too old (and experienced?) but his cousins would be perfect! WIll order either way. Thanks for sharing Lorna.
Lorna
thanks Imen and you are in the draw 🙂
Daniela Simmons
My little nieces have a large new garden and really want to start growing their own! This would be great!
Lorna
You are in the draw Daniela 🙂
mkconlon
Great to see someone writing a book geared towards childrens gardening.
Start them young!
Lorna
Exactly 🙂
M T McGuire
It sounds fun and the illustrations look fab.
Cheers
MTM
Lorna
Fun and educational 🙂
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