Publishers Weekly
06/17/2024
The sign at the entrance to Garden Glen boasts “a picture-perfect place,” a phrase that hints at the neighborhood’s stifling conformity. But young Millie Fleur—who’s vaguely reminiscent of Wednesday Addams in Mandin’s measured, sepia-toned digital illustrations—changes all that when she and her mother move into a lone, decrepit gothic house on the edge of town. Pet frog in tow, Millie plants a garden that is gloriously unruly, filled with anthropomorphic plants whose names include “sore toothwort,” “tentacled tansy,” and “grumpy gillyflower.” The town elders declare the garden “poisonous,” but Millie rallies her classmates and teacher, who “all agreed... Millie Fleur’s garden was wonderfully weird!” The child’s example doesn’t completely unleash the forces of unconventionality in Garden Glen, but final images depict homeowners expressing themselves, at least in their horticultural pursuits. Millie and her mother are portrayed with pale skin; background characters are shown with various abilities and skin tones. An author’s note concludes. Ages 2–6. (July)
From the Publisher
Praise for Millie Fleur's Poison Garden:
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
AN INDIE BESTSELLER
AN INDIE NEXT PICK
"This dare-to-be-different picture book blends beautifully with the kids-to-the-rescue story...leaves readers with much to think about."—Shelf Awareness, starred review
"A girl plants a fantastical idea...This charming, low-key tale celebrates those who unabashedly find unconventional things exciting...No poison here; just a garden of delights about someone who improves things in a unique fashion."—Kirkus Reviews
"The sign at the entrance to Garden Glen boasts 'a picture-perfect place,' a phrase that hints at the neighborhood’s stifling conformity. But young Millie Fleur—who’s vaguely reminiscent of Wednesday Addams in Mandin’s measured, sepia-toned digital illustrations—changes all that when she and her mother move into a lone, decrepit gothic house on the edge of town."—Publishers Weekly
"This charming picture book...pays homage to classic and beloved creeps like those featured in Frankenstein and The Addams Family while simultaneously creating its own...Young readers will leave inspired by Millie's refusal to hide what she loves." —Bookpage
Kirkus Reviews
2024-04-20
A girl plants a fantastical idea.
Millie Fleur La Fae and her mom move to Garden Glen, where all the houses are “flawless” and identical—except theirs. Located on the edge of town, it’s run-down and scruffy. Millie Fleur loves it, but something’s missing. Fortunately, Mom brought seeds from Millie Fleur’s old garden, which Millie Fleur plants immediately. They grow quickly, wildly, and weirdly, bearing names like Fanged Fairy Moss and Sore Toothwort. Garden Glen’s Rosebud Club members are displeased; the club’s president dubs them “poisonous.” They’re not, but, as Mom explains, “Some people are scared of things that are different.” Millie Fleur loves her “wild, weird little garden” and invites her classmates to see it. Everyone visits the garden, including the teacher. All concur: Millie Fleur’s garden is “wonderfully weird.” Eventually, thanks to Garden Glen’s Youth Plant and Seed Swap, bits of her garden work their way into other town gardens; soon, they’re no longer identical, making Garden Glen “a truly one-of-a-kind place.” This charming, low-key tale celebrates those who unabashedly find unconventional things exciting and reassures readers that it’s OK to have off-the-beaten-track interests. The digital illustrations brim with fun; readers will be amused by the plants’ bizarre appearances and names. Millie Fleur (who’s reminiscent of Wednesday Addams) and her mom are pale-skinned; background characters are racially diverse.
No poison here; just a garden of delights about someone who improves things in a unique fashion. (note about snapdragons and spider plants, author’s note) (Picture book. 5-8)
