The story of Mary and the Gardener comes from the Gospel of John (20:1-18). Mary Magdalene goes to grieve at Jesus' tomb and, distressingly, finds it empty; she doesn't know where his body has been taken. A gardener who seems strangely familiar asks her why she weeps.
This comforting retelling for children ages four through eight weaves in aspects of Jesus' ministry, giving the story fuller context. At the tomb, Mary recalls how "Jesus healed and worked miracles. He spoke of peace and hope and a brighter future." And as she watches the gardener planting seeds, she remembers the Parable of the Sower and how "our own seeds of faith, love, and kindness may or may not grow in others' lives."
Luxuriant illustrations by Leanne Daphne, who specializes in creating landscapes, flora, and fauna that tell a compelling story, give the book a joyful, radiant quality. And author Paul Kerensa, a British Comedy Award-winning writer, brings a light touch to the story without in any way diminishing the profound impact of Mary's eventual recognition that the gardener to whom she speaks is, in truth, her teacher, alive once again.
While thoroughly Christian, this book with its focus on kindness opens a wide embrace to readers of any background. Kerensa frames it with “the other garden story” — Adam and Eve — and notes that this gospel tale is also about a new start: not only in the past, but also "for you and me."
