Growing Your Child’s Spiritual Garden
by Andreah Davi Werner
book review by Sheila M. Trask
“Blessed be he who makes our spiritual garden grow.”

Author Andreah Davi Werner brings together her diverse background as a poet, nutritionist, and herbalist with inspiration from her latest role: grandmother. Werner tells the story of a garden lovingly planted by teenage Sherra, who is excited to share her accomplishment with her family. Not all of the cousins who visit respect her work, however, and some plants and relationships suffer the consequences. Werner’s lessons flow from Sherra’s efforts to restore peace.

Within the larger themes of apology, forgiveness, and making amends, Werner discusses the wholesomeness of gardening and eating healthy foods. A little science works its way in as well, with information about the roots and rhizomes of the garlic bulb that will later be used in spaghetti sauce. Werner also provides a glossary to define the most challenging words.

The book is presented as a sketchbook or journal, with a faux ring binding and pages appearing to rest on a cool, green surface. Illustrator Cacioppo uses rapid pencil strokes to create a riot of color in the garden. While the flowers, trees and plants are vibrant, Cacioppo’s figures are sometimes awkward when shown in movement.

Written in a large text opposite full-page illustrations, Growing Your Child’s Spiritual Garden has the appearance of a young child’s picture book. While the presentation is geared to preschoolers, the story itself focuses on adolescents. What is clear throughout the book is the positive spiritual message from Werner’s title. She praises God in several languages, and her characters pray and frequently give thanks for “the Lord’s gift” of a garden.