The Gardener is a 1997 New York Times Book Review Notable Children’s Book of the Year and a 1998 Caldecott Honor Book. It tells the story of a young girl named Lydia Grace Finch brings her love of gardening to the big city where she goes to stay with her Uncle Jim when her father loses his job.
 
Once in the city, Lydia Grace begins brightening up the neighborhood and her uncle’s bakery with flowers. When Lydia Grace discovers a way up to the roof of the building, she begins working on a rooftop garden that she hopes will bring a smile to the face of her solemn Uncle Jim. Told in the form of letters and beautifully illustrated to evoke the Great Depression setting, The Gardener will delight readers of all ages as they cheer on the spunky, flower-loving heroine.