A Garden Called Home by Jessica J. Lee and illustrated by Elaine Chen is a delightful picture book that deserves a shining five stars. This beautifully crafted story effortlessly weaves together themes of love, belonging, and the wonders of nature. Lee's heartfelt writing and Chen's enchanting illustrations create a captivating world that will surely ignite the imagination of young readers.
From the very first page, readers are drawn into the charming world of the main characters as they discover the magic of a garden that truly becomes a home. Lee's prose is poetic and evocative, painting vivid images in the minds of children and adults alike. Chen's illustrations are a perfect complement to the story, bringing to life the lush beauty of the garden and the warm emotions of the characters.
A Garden Called Home is not just a book to be read; it is a book to be experienced. As a reader, I found myself completely immersed in the story, feeling a deep connection to the characters and their journey. This heartwarming tale is not only a fun read but also a touching exploration of the importance of family, friendship, and finding one's place in the world.
I highly recommend A Garden Called Home to readers of all ages. It is a book that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression, and I, for one, am looking forward to sharing this wonderful story with my own children someday soon.

A Garden Called Home by Jessica J. Lee and illustrated by Elaine Chen is an endearing story of a little girl who teaches her mother that where they live, despite its winters, also gives the hope of gardens and growing. Inspired by their trip to Mama's homeland in Taiwan, a place of heat and humidity and glorious green growth, she explores her own home to observe the plants and fungi that thrive in the forest nearby. She also convinces Mama to leave her hot tea and houseplants and come outside in the winter, to see the snow-covered trees, and to "show Mama that nature here can be wondrous too." In spring, the little girl and her Mama plant a "garden that feels like home," and readers learn about vegetables to remember Mama's homeland, mugwort, scallions, and cabbages, as well as local wildflowers including larkspurs, buttercups, and yarrow. Engaging, colourful illustrations and a glossary of plant names with pronunciations make this mother-daughter journey away and home again one to enjoy over and over, season to season.

An interesting book using plants and trees to differentiate between two cultures. A daughter shows her mom a corresponding scene in the weather between Taiwan and their new country trying to make her mom feel more comfortable in their new home. Many of the scenes cause you to stop and inhale the pleasures of your own surroundings,

Truly an enjoyable read. in “A Garden Called Home," written by Jessica Lee and illustrated by Elaine Chen, readers are transported on a journey that crosses continents and generations, exploring the dynamics of family, culture, and belonging. Through the eyes of a young girl and her mother, we are immersed in Taiwan's lush landscapes and bustling streets, where every flower and tree holds a story waiting to be uncovered.

What sets this book apart is its ability to seamlessly blend rich storytelling with breathtaking illustrations that breathe life into every page. As the young girl navigates the vibrant world around her, she learns not only about the wonders of nature but also about the deep-rooted connections that bind her to her mother's homeland.

At its core, "A Garden Called Home" is a celebration of the immigrant experience, weaving themes of identity and heritage into the fabric of the narrative. Through tender moments shared between mother and daughter, readers are reminded of the universal longing for belonging and the enduring power of love to transcend borders and boundaries. There is so much the young daughter learns from her mother but also teaches her mother, reminding us how transformative our relationships can be when we try to lift each other up.

Moreover, the book serves as a reminder of the beauty found in embracing our roots while embracing the possibilities of the new world around us. As the young girl learns to navigate the complexities of cultural identity, she discovers that home is not just a place but a feeling—one that can be found wherever love and connection reside and that her mother can feel at home outside of Taiwan too.

Overall, "A Garden Called Home" is a timeless tale that resonates with readers of all ages, inviting them to embark on a journey of self-discovery and understanding. With its heartfelt narrative and stunning visuals, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression, inspiring readers to cherish the beauty of their own unique journey and the connections that make it all worthwhile. Being a child of immigrant parents I truly resonate with this story, my own mother also finds the most peace with her gardening as a reminder of her home. It was beautiful to see my own experience illustrated in this story so thank you! I can’t wait to read this to my kids one day! ( )

This is a nice book but a bit sad. Winter is coming, snows on the ground, and everything is chilly. A daughter and her mother live in their home and the daughter loves the outside in the snow, but her mom does not. Mom takes her daughter on a vacation to where she grew up, where it’s always warm and sunny. The daughter learns what her mother loves about home and tries to find those same things in their home back in the winter place. As I mentioned before, this was an interesting, read. It’s deep and reflective and leaves room to think and have discussions about families, in particular immigrant families who are making new lives. ( )