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From School Library Journal

July 1, 2021

Gr 3-6-Marsden and Luechtefeld's graphic novel reimagines Burnett's story of a lonely girl who blossoms while tending to a garden. Recently orphaned 10-year-old Mary Lennox is sent to live with her uncle Craven at gloomy Misselthwaite Manor in the Yorkshire moors. Sour and standoffish, Mary initially rebuffs the kindness of maid Martha Sowerby and wanders the grounds alone. Discovering a long-abandoned, locked-away garden, she decides to revive it, which leads her to both animal charmer (and brother to Martha) Dickon Sowerby and Colin Craven, her sickly cousin whose existence has been concealed from her. As the children transform the garden, happiness again seems possible at Misselthwaite Manor. This pleasant, evenly paced retelling is a good entry point for reluctant readers into classic children's literature. The parallels between the tending of the garden and character development within the story are reflected in the beautiful, hand drawn-style artwork, which gradually brightens from a washed-over neutral palette to lighter. The biggest change to the narrative is the decision to remove mention of India because those parts "don't do justice to the history of British oppression in colonial India." A brief biography of Burnett, a glossary, and a discussion of places and spaces from the original novel are appended. As in the original book, Mary and the other main characters are white. VERDICT A new take on a beloved story that will delight readers young and old. Recommended for all libraries.-Pearl Derlaga, York County P.L., VA

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

From Kirkus

May 1, 2021
Burnett's iconic novel gets a graphic reenvisioning. Marsden, graphic-novel adapter of Anne of Green Gables (2017), hopes to entice a new wave of young readers with her interpretation of the classic tale. Following Burnett's narrative, after the death of her parents, tempestuous young Mary is sent to live with mysterious Uncle Craven in his sprawling estate on the moor. Her displeasure with the situation is evident from the beginning, when she is introduced with a prominent scowl and obvious attitude. However, time at Misselthwaite Manor softens Mary's hard exterior as she makes friends and discovers the wonder of nature. When she finds a walled garden and a sequestered cousin, she learns she is able not only to begin her own voyage of healing, but to help her uncle and cousin as well. Luechtefeld's orderly panels employ a deliberate earth-toned palette, starting with a decidedly dark feel and gradually lightening as the characters move through their own personal struggles with grief. Marsden takes liberties with the original text, glossing over such details as Mary's colonialist beginnings and the deaths of her parents; readers see little more than her standing graveside. A concluding note includes an explanation that "we chose to leave out [the Indian] parts of the story because they don't do justice to the history of British oppression in colonial India." The core of Burnett's tale is present, however, often ably conveyed in lovely wordless scenes. A visually appealing adaptation. (Graphic adaptation. 7-11)

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From Horn Book

January 1, 2006
Neither of Burnett's classic stories is done justice by being shortened and simplified to fit the chapter-book format. These adaptations lose the beautiful language, mystery, and depth of character of the originals. The decorative black-and-white illustrations for "Secret Garden" don't contribute much to an appreciation of the story.

(Copyright 2006 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

From Horn Book

July 1, 2005
The time-tested classic about orphaned Mary Lennox and the neglected walled garden she returns to life is presented with a ribbon bookmark and a list of open-ended questions ("Is an absent father worse than a bad father?") for readers to ponder or discuss. A handful of scratchboard vignette illustrations repeat as chapter headings throughout the book.

(Copyright 2005 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

From School Library Journal

January 1, 2004
Gr 4-8-Originally published in 1911, the story of Mary Lennox's transformation from impudent orphan to compassionate friend in the forbidden garden of Misselthwaite Manor has been recorded for a new generation to enjoy. Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic is done justice by the vocal talents of Josephine Bailey. From the start, the narrator's lilting English accent will capture students' attention, but it is her vocal characterizations that will hold it. Abundant dialogue is enhanced with the authentic-sounding broad Yorkshire of the brusque Mrs. Medlock, the talkative Martha, and the crotchety old Ben, contrasted with Mary's precise and proper English. Bailey effortlessly captures the innocence of the young and the world-weariness of the old, while moving seamlessly between the two. There are no sound effects, and they are not needed. The overall aural quality is excellent. While the length of the production may initially scare off some listeners, those who persevere will be rewarded with a rich literary experience.- Leigh Ann Rumsey, Penn Yan Academy, NY

Copyright 2003 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

From Publisher's Weekly

July 14, 2003
Soothing and mellifluous, native Briton Bailey's voice proves an excellent instrument for polishing up a new edition of Burnett's story. Bratty and spoiled Mary Lennox is orphaned when her parents fall victim to a cholera outbreak in India. As a result, Mary becomes the ward of an uncle in England she has never met. As she hesitantly tries to carve a new life for herself at imposing and secluded Misselthwaite Manor, Mary befriends a high-spirited boy named Dickon and investigates a secret garden on the Manor grounds. She also discovers a sickly young cousin, Colin, who has been shut away in a hidden Manor room. Together Mary and Dickon help Colin blossom, and in the process Mary finds her identity and melts the heart of her emotionally distant uncle. Bailey makes fluid transitions between the voices and accents of various characters, from terse Mrs. Medlock and surly groundskeeper Ben to chipper housemaid Martha. And most enjoyably, she gives Mary a believably childlike voice. A brief biography of the author is included in an introduction. Ages 6-12.

From School Library Journal

May 1, 2002
Gr 4-7-Although an abridgement, this audiobook captures the essence of the classic children's novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Raised in India, Mary Lennox is sent to live with an uncle she never met at Misselthwaite Manor in England when her parents die. At first, Mary hates living on the English moors. Like her deceased parents, Mary's uncle ignores the child and leaves her in the care of the housekeeper and other servants. Encouraged to play outside by Martha, a housemaid, Mary meets Ben Weatherstaff, a gardener, and she learns about the secret garden. While playing in the garden, Mary discovers the locked door leading in to the secret garden. One night, Mary hears someone crying, and discovers her invalid cousin in a dark room. The two children explore the healing magic of the secret garden. British actress Jenny Agutter narrates the story with a carefully modulated accent, and classical music plays in the background. Despite the quality of the audiobook, the Victorian language may be a deterrent and the story's plot may be outdated for most modern listeners. Consider adding this audiobook to collections where classic children's literature is popular.-Sarah Prielipp, Chippewa River District Library System, Mt. Pleasant, MI

Copyright 2002 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

From Horn Book

July 1, 1998
The late Victorian classic about the transformation of the spoiled orphan Mary Lennox through physical labor in a long-abandoned garden loses crucial character development as well as much of its romance and magic in this picture-book adaptation. The illustrations, rendered in precise watercolor and colored pencil, are sentimental and stiff. For younger kids, read the original aloud.

(Copyright 1998 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

From AudioFile Magazine

This beautifully produced children's classic is narrated by the talented Josephine Bailey, whose voice is musical and elegant. This story of two lonely children finding happiness through their mutual delight in tending a neglected garden includes much dialogue, and Bailey transitions seamlessly from one character's voice to another. She easily distinguishes petulant Mary from fretful cousin Colin and captures the nuances of their wide-ranging, passionate emotions. Bailey's rendition of Colin's tantrum and the cousins' reconciliation is breathtaking. Her good-hearted Dicken, with his broad Yorkshire accent, and gruff Ben Weatherstaff are equally excellent. There are numerous audiobook productions of this story, but Bailey's is surely one of the best. Her sensitive reading makes every minute of this unabridged version fly. J.C.G. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine