For parents

The Secret Garden for Kids: A Parent’s Guide

A hidden door, a friendly robin and a garden waking up. How to bring The Secret Garden to young readers.

By Sean Lee · October 26, 2026

What is The Secret Garden about?

Frances Hodgson Burnett’s novel, first published in 1911, follows Mary Lennox, a lonely and rather cross little girl who is sent from India to live in her uncle’s enormous house on the Yorkshire moors. There she hears about a garden that has been locked up for ten years. With help from a friendly robin, Mary finds the hidden key, and the door.

As Mary and her new friends bring the garden back to life, the garden brings them back to life too. It’s a story about friendship, fresh air, kindness, and the magic of growing things.

Meet the characters

• Mary Lennox: a lonely, sour little girl who slowly becomes caring and joyful.
• Martha Sowerby: a cheerful Yorkshire housemaid who teaches Mary kindness.
• Dickon Sowerby: Martha’s brother, who can charm birds and animals.
• Ben Weatherstaff: a gruff old gardener with a soft heart, and a friend to the robin.
• Colin Craven: a boy hidden away in the big house, with a secret of his own.
• Archibald Craven: Mary’s sad, often absent uncle.
• Mrs. Medlock: the strict housekeeper who loves rules and quiet.

Is it right for young children?

Yes. The story begins with Mary losing her parents in India, which a children’s retelling handles gently and quickly, and it includes a boy who believes he is too ill to walk. Both open caring conversations, and the whole book moves toward hope, health and happiness.

Big ideas to talk about

• Kindness and friendship can change a grumpy heart.
• Fresh air, sunshine and growing things help us feel better.
• Caring for something, like a garden or a pet, helps us grow too.
• It’s never too late to change and try again.

Activities

• Plant seeds in a cup or a pot and watch them come up, like Mary’s green shoots.
• Go on a nature walk and listen for birds, like the robin.
• Draw your own secret garden, with a hidden door.
• Use our free Secret Garden discussion questions, character cards and unit study.