THE SECRET OF THE MIND-GARDEN

A boy discovers a garden that blooms with the power of positive thinking in Moyers’ children’s book.  

Leo feels like his world is turned upside down when he goes to school one morning and finds that the seating arrangement in his classroom has changed (and not for the better). He liked sitting next to his best friend Mia in class, but he does not know anything about his new desk-mate Sam. Even worse, Mia seems to be completely content—when Leo looks over at her, she is happily chatting with her new neighbor. On the way home after school, Leo wonders why something so unfair is happening to him. Why does he have to sit next to someone he knows nothing about? How could Mia give up her seat so easily? As he ponders what he should do next, Leo discovers the hidden entrance to the Mind-Garden, which is tended by an old man named Mr. Elwood. Among the vivid flowers and fruit trees, Leo finds a patch of wilted flowers. Mr. Elwood explains that the garden reflects the mind of whoever walks into it: “Positive, happy thoughts bloom into beautiful flowers and vibrant plants. Worried, negative thoughts, however, give rise to these.” As Leo thinks about his day, he wonders aloud how to change his mindset to make his plants bloom. The solution comes to him quickly, and as he reframes his new desk-mate as an opportunity to make a friend, his gloomy flowers start to blossom before his eyes. After leaving the idyll, Leo is determined to keep his garden vibrant as he goes about his school days. This first book in Moyers’ new series feels like sunshine, with its expressive passages and Revuelta’s golden-hued, painterly illustrations. It is easy to follow along the ups and downs of Leo’s emotions, and satisfying when he is able to spin his negative thoughts into positive outcomes.

An obvious metaphor becomes a lighthearted reminder about the importance of perspective for all ages.