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Meet the Classics
Cover of Meet the Classics: The Secret Garden, retold by Sean Lee, with Mary opening the garden door as a robin watches

Meet the Classics

The Secret Garden

Based on the 1911 novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, retold by Sean Lee for ages 6–9

Ages 6–9, 72 pages

Lonely Mary Lennox discovers a hidden, locked garden on the Yorkshire moors, and caring for it brings friendship, health and joy back to everyone around her.

When cross, lonely Mary Lennox is sent from India to live in her uncle’s enormous old house on the Yorkshire moors, she hears about a garden that has been locked up for ten years. With help from a friendly robin, she finds the buried key, and the hidden door behind the ivy.

With cheerful Martha, Dickon who can charm animals, and a surprising new friend, Mary brings the garden back to life, and the garden brings them back to life too. A complete retelling of the beloved classic for ages 6–9, with an illustration on every page.

Peek inside the bookThe Secret Garden for Kids: A Parent’s GuideThe Secret Garden summary for kids

Peek Inside

A robin with a bright red breast lands near Mary and old Ben Weatherstaff in the garden
Before Ben could tell her to go away, a soft rustle sounded nearby. A tiny bird dropped down from an apple branch. It had a bright red breast. The robin landed right beside a mound of turned earth. Mary froze in wonder. Ben’s grumpy face changed completely. His squint softened into a bright grin, and he whistled softly. The bird tilted its head and chirped in reply. Old Ben chuckled like a proud grandfather.
Martha gives Mary a skipping rope with bright red handles in her bedroom
Back inside her bedroom, Martha held out a surprise. It was a sturdy skipping rope with bright red handles. “Our mother bought it at the shop for you,” Martha said with a cheerful grin. “Skipping will make you strong!” Mary took the handles. She swung the rope over her head and jumped. At first her feet tangled. Soon she was skipping across the rug. Her pale cheeks turned warm and rosy. For the very first time, Mary’s sour little scowl began to slip away.

Meet the Characters

Character guide

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