Review *The Secret Garden* A Graphic Novel

Adapted by Mariah Marsden

Illustrated by Hanna Luechtefeld

Published by Andrews McMeel Publishing

It's great to see an alternative version of The Secret Garden, a classic story, that might appeal to a whole new generation of children.

It would be a challenge to count how many versions, issues or adaptations there have been since its first appearance in 1911 as a book. It actually began as a serialised story in The American Magazine (November 1910 – August 1911) & has since been re-issued numerous times as a picture book, film, stage play & even a Broadway Musical in 1991 & ran for 709 performances.

This graphic novel is a fresh new take.

Mary Lennox is only 10 years old when she arrives at her uncle's huge, secluded estate on the Yorkshire Moors.

She's curious about all the locked doors & mystery rooms but is sent out to the gardens to run & play. Sadly, one of the rooms that is locked is the library, so Mary can't even find books she'd enjoy reading. A charming bird & friend of the gardener secretly shows Mary a key, almost buried, on the ground.

She's quick to find her own mysteries & magic with some unexpected kindness.

Even when Mary's cousin finds a new outlook on life things are still uncertain & Mary has to decide if she can trust him.

Quite a determined character, Mary is keen to make the most of her new environment & won't be discouraged from anything by strict people stuck in their routines.

With a bit of help & a new interest in flowers, animals & gardening, Mary soon finds some joy in her unusual situation.

An interesting chain of discoveries leads Mary to new adventures & new family members. She helps them see how to think beyond the past & find joy in even the simplest things around you.