"One day, Henry's mom didn't go with
him to the garden. His dad said she
wasn't feeling well.
One day became two days. Two days became
a week. As time continued to pass, the garden
that was once full of life and joy became
filled with plants that were droopy, weak
and sad."
You had to love plants if you were part of Henry's family. Everyone loves plants and they really love to garden. On any day, you will find all three of them outside taking care of their yard. Henry has a terrible time encouraging his tiny plant to grow. His mom is always encouraging him to keep trying. His neighbor tells a story of how his mom planted an entire orchard to help feed the hungry. His mom is like a huge tree that envelops everyone in her community.
Henry watches his mom every day and does his best to follow in her footsteps; his plant does not grow and he is running out of patience. There comes a day when his mom does not come into the garden. She is not feeling well. She does not get better and soon the garden begins to show the sadness felt by all. What can they do? Neighbors try to help, but no one has much spirit without Henry's mother.
Henry explains to his neighbor that he is doing his best. She offers an idea. She takes Henry into his mom's orchard and tells him that no one believed the orchard would grow because of the bad soil. She planted it anyway. Henry remembers the hope his mom always mentions, and its importance to what really happens. He will have to show his plants at home that he has hope for them. What wonder awaits!
Henry's hope helps their garden ... and his mom. Although she is still sick, she lets Henry know she believes in him, just as he believes in his mom getting better.
Colourful illustrations that change as Henry's mood changes offer context for the strong feelings felt and build on the hope this story inspires.
""People and seeds have a lot in common,"
she would say. "If you want them to grow
strong, nourishment and sunlight aren't
enough - they also need hope.""
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