Rosie's Garden by Olivia Coates

Unless you took the time to look, few knew there was a garden on Lot 33. Most people just hurried past, too engrossed in their own lives and thoughts to notice it, but to Rosie it was a sanctuary - one that she tended daily so that Mr Dellagatti can collects seeds, Annika can play her violin, Chad can chase rainbows and even Esmeralda the chicken can scratch for worms for breakfast!

So no one really notices when the lot is sold and instead of a little community garden, another towering skyscraper swallows the space. But Rosie does - and she also sees the changes in the lives of those who enjoyed it as she did. So when she has an idea that she is determined to put to the Big Boss even if that means going all the way to the top of the building, it could be a turning point. But will the Big Boss listen? And what will their reaction be?

This is not the first story book for young readers about a child's determination to nurture their local green space - others include Orlando's Garden, Butterfly Girl, The Concrete Garden, Let's Build a Backyard, The Secret of Sapling Green, Tiny Wonders, and Harriet's Hungry Worms among others, but it is yet another one to encourage young readers that, even though they are 'just' young readers, they can make a difference. Whether it's something as simple as placing a flowering plant on a balcony so that the insects have nectar to find, or starting with a spontaneous but transient chalk drawing, with determination, perseverance and resilience even children can have an impact on the environment.

Teachers' notes not only help explore the story in greater depth, but help students consider the vital question of, "Now that I know this, what can I do with my new knowledge?" perhaps becoming the impetus for a local project. Even though, in many parts of Australia, cooler weather means the natural world is taking a rest, nevertheless it is the ideal time to begin planning... particularly at this time when we are surrounded by symbols and images of rebirth. Even in the southern hemisphere, Spring will be here soon.

Themes: Sustainability, Environment, Community, Change, Urbanisation, Problem solving, Gardening.

Barbara Braxton