Review: Rosie's Garden

Rosie’s favourite thing in the world to do, is to dig. She finds all manner of mysteries deep in the ground, and forges new friendships when she’s in the community garden, next door to her little stoop and green front door.

There’s Mr Delagatti who collects seeds, Annika who plays the violin, and even Esmerelda the chicken, who likes worms for breakfast!
But then, things change for Rosie. 

A large company with noisy, powerful machines takes over the precious little garden and builds a towering skyscraper in its place. Where will the friends go? 

This darling story shows what can happen when people take a good look at the hard or the hurt places inside, find their courage, and then use words to speak up.

The wonderful story gently and astutely challenges ingrained ideas and expectations, offering some special surprises along the way. 

The illustrations are bold, clear and colourful. Their depth, subtlety and detail is gorgeous, and children (and adults!) will enjoy studying the subjects and varied perspectives which add a strong dynamism to the words. So much to love!

Rosie’s Garden is a salient offering about resilience. It encourages us to care for both people and nature, and to care about how we feel inside.

It is reassuring, reminding us of the power to be found in working together to create solutions that enhance the world for all. Even chickens.

Just delightful.

Title: Rosie’s Garden 

Author: Olivia Coates
Illustrator: Samantha McClelland
Publisher: EK Books, $27.99
Publication Date: 1 April 2025
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781921497056
For Ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book