Book cover of The Imaginary Garden

Book description

Theodora loved her grandfather's old garden. His new apartment's balcony is too windy and small for a garden. But what appears to be a drawback soon leads to a shared burst of creativity as Theo and her Poppa decide to paint a new garden. As they work side by side…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Imaginary Garden as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

My grandmother had an enormous vegetable garden. She spent so much time working in it and filling her pantry with jars of jams, jellies, and preserves, I used to wonder what she would do if she ever had to leave it.  

That is exactly what happens to Poppa, who has to move out of his old house with its yard full of trees and flowers, into a small apartment with only a windy balcony. At first Poppa sinks into grief. But a suggestion from his granddaughter Theo gives him an idea for how they can still share the joy of…

From Laura's list on gardening as community building.

If you love The Imaginary Garden...

Book cover of The Eye of Ra

The Eye of Ra by Ben Gartner,

Gold Recipient, Mom's Choice Awards Honoring Excellence.

Silver Medal in Children's Adventure, 2020 International Readers' Favorite Awards.

Award-winning Finalist, Next Generation Book Awards.

1st Place in both Children's Adventure AND Grades 4th-6th, 2020 TopShelf Awards.

Grand Prize Winner, Colorado Author Project.

1st Place, Gertrude Warner Middle Grade Fiction Award.

Exploring…

Want books like The Imaginary Garden?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Imaginary Garden.

Browse books like The Imaginary Garden

Book cover of Miss Rumphius
Book cover of The Curious Garden
Book cover of Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,340

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like The Imaginary Garden, you might also like...

Book cover of Floretta

Floretta by Joan Budilovsky,

Floretta- the story of an old woman who discovers life beautifully anew thru the helping hands of a child. The chakra colors of dawn and twilight are woven through the pages as the cycle of life is magically composed. The subject of “heaven,” has the potential to open discussions with…

Book cover of A Foot is Not a Fish!

A Foot is Not a Fish! by Cornelia Maude Spelman,

In a time of alternative facts and the loss of a shared sense of reality, A Foot is Not a Fish playfully illustrates the difference between what is true and what is not through absurd fun comparisons that every child—and parent—will instantly understand.

This book playfully illustrates common truths by…

5 book lists we think you will like!