Frances Hodgson BurnettPenguin Select Classics: The Secret Garden: (Original, Unabridged Children's Classic with French Flaps)

Imagine being orphaned and moving into your mysterious uncle’s home, a place straight out of a strange, hidden world.This book felt like stepping into a quiet, magical place where everything broken has a chance to heal. It’s the story of Mary Lennox, a girl who starts out lonely and bitter, and how she finds her way back to happiness through a hidden garden and the friends she makes along the way.Mary’s sourness reminded me of times when I’ve felt hurt or ignored and pushed people away. Watching her change—first by caring for the garden and then by connecting with others—was like seeing how small steps can bring big changes. It’s comforting to think that, just like the garden, we can bring neglected parts of ourselves back to life with time and care.The garden itself felt like a symbol of hope. At first, it’s overgrown and forgotten, much like Mary’s heart. But as she starts tending to it, the garden comes alive—and so does she. Her growth also helps others, like Colin, who learns to believe in himself, and her uncle, who begins to heal from his grief. It shows how taking care of something, even something small, can ripple out and bring joy to others.This book reminded me that no matter how cold or empty life might feel, there’s always a chance for spring to come again. It’s a simple, quiet story, but it leaves you feeling warm and hopeful, like you’ve been given a little piece of the magic Mary discovered in the garden.