The Concrete Garden

A timely, inspiring and uplifting story about hope and the power of creative expression, from one of the world's most treasured bookmakers.
After a cold, dark winter, doors opened. Children spilled out like sweets from a box. Amanda was last one out of the tower block. She brought some chalk with her. On every inch of the concrete outside, the children drew pictures of everything they could think of, from flowers and snails, to spaceships and queens. Before long, a beautiful and exotic garden spread out across the concrete.

From master storyteller Bob Graham comes a charming, and gently post-pandemic story about finding optimism after a dark spell, and the nurturing power of community friendships in an urban setting. The Concrete Garden will resonate with anyone who has been apart from their loved ones, and will encourage us all to find the brightness and colour within ourselves.

Bob Graham’s latest picture book displays all the wonderful hallmarks of his children’s books: community, diversity, acceptance, and, best of all, there is always a dog! Set amidst an enormous block of flats, at the end of winter the children come out to play. Last out is Amanda with a big box of chalk. She draws a big circle with squiggles; the invitation to join in is unspoken but apparent. Even the dog contributes to the art.
Some simple things endure, and a stick of chalk, imagination and cooperation redefines a grey space into a vibrant thing of beauty. Art is sometimes considered a frivolous thing but at its heart it transforms and informs, just as The Concrete Garden so delightfully portrays.

Readings
The Concrete Garden is a book about creativity and hope and colour and life. Sharon Greenaway
In this book Graham masterfully tells a heartening and emotional story through pictures and careful choice of words, including some impressive original metaphors...I was mostly impressed with how this short story evokes strong emotions – sadness, a touch of humour, joy, hopefulness, and enthusiasm. Reading Time
The Concrete Garden is a superb portrayal of a moment in time that will resonate with anyone who experienced the pandemic… Sure to bring a smile to all, The Concrete Garden is a lovely hug of a book from start to finish. A Word About Books
The Concrete Garden will be enjoyed by very young readers and their parents, as well as providing food for close looking and discussion in primary libraries and classrooms. Magpies Magazine

Bob Graham is a Kate Greenaway-winning bookmaker who has written and illustrated many acclaimed children's picture books including Jigsaw: A Puzzle in the Post, Ellie's Dragon, The Poesy Ring, Home in the Rain, How to Heal a Broken Wing, How the Sun Got to Coco's House, Max, Maxine, Jethro Byrde: Fairy Child and The Underhills. His 2011 title, A Bus Called Heaven, is endorsed by Amnesty International UK and was the winner of the 2012 Children's Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year Award – a prize Bob has won an unprecedented seven times. He has been awarded the prestigious Prime Minister's Literary Award in Australia twice, in 2014 for Silver Buttons and in 2017 for Home in the Rain.

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