Enchantment in the Garden

by Shirley Hughes

Valerie, a lonely little girl, yearns for a friend, a wish that is answered when a statue in the park magically comes to life, but their friendship is threatened when the mysterious boy, Cherubino, vanishes.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fantasy

58 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Shirley Hughes is the illustrator of more than two hundred children’s books and has won many prestigious awards, including the Kate Greenaway Medal twice. She is the author-illustrator of DON'T WANT TO GO! and OLLY AND ME 1 2 3. She died at her home in London on the 25th of February, 2022.

Reviews

[Bookread2day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchantment in the Garden is truly a beautiful illustrated book by Shirley Hughes. It’s a masterpiece of a fantasy story, about a little girl, who is an only child, with no one to play with, no one to talk . In her garden she talks to a statue of a boy on a dolphin who she has named Cherubino comes to life, where they are both bond a wonderful friendship. This splendid story reminded me a little of my favourite childhood story The Secret Garden. Parents Enchantment in the Garden is a perfect present for all children. Everyone can’t help but fall in love with this magical story. Mums, Dads, aunt, uncle, and grandparents you will really love this book too. Thank you Walker Books for sending me this book .

[Emily · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love Shirley Hughes but this book was too old for too young an audience. In the greater part of the book the children are miserable or wildly upset and only occasionally do they find happiness, which is mainly brought about by the anticipation of when they are grown up, not any comfort now. Beautiful pictures as usual but not a kids book.

[Becs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enchantment in the Garden is a beautifully illustrated story about a young girl who manages to bring a statue to life. I have mixed feelings on whether I liked the statue in the end - his communication skills aren't necessarily a positive influence for young readers - but I think the story is interesting and I haven't read anything like it before.

The illustrations are absolutely the selling point of this book; it feels very much like a coffee table book with watercolour style imagery; a beautiful addition to an older child's bookshelf.

ARC provided from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[SonataReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

So beautiful and enchanting.

Aside from the gorgeous illustrations, I think I shed a tear or two.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about a lonely little girl living in Italy, Valerie, and her garden statue come-to-life, Cherubino. The illustrations are lush and beautiful. Overall, this is a sweet yet melancholy fairy story, that I know I would have loved as a child. Although, then as now, the unanswered questions get to me, haha. There is not any resolution, which some kids may not like. I would have been torn between liking the mystery of it all or wanting to know what happens. Part of the story's appeal, I suppose. :)

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book set in Italy. I will say that this is packaged like a children's picturebook but it is really not a story for a little person. I think my ten year to twelve year old self would have loved this book but because it is packaged like a picture book, I would have never picked it up. I happen to peruse used bookshops for picture books at this time and I picked it up because of the beautiful illustrations. I just read this and loved it. It reminds me of Edward Eager's HALF MAGIC or Edith Nesbit's writing.

[Vicki Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A absolutely delightful book which I came across when reading Shirley Hughes's A Life in Drawing (which I also highly recommend). Sketches and paintings for Shirley's visits to Italy are beautifully used in this magical story. This is a wonderful book to read with children, and as always, there is so much incident in the pictures to talk about. I keep coming back to the idea that Valerie, our heroine, could be either Alfie and Annie Rose's mum or granny. A classic

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful beautiful beautiful! The illustrations were gorgeous in this book and the story was sad yet hopeful. It made me long for a time and place I can't quite describe. It also reminded me of my fond memories of Italy and time spent walking through gardens full of sculptures.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly, completely enchanting

[Shannyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, yes I know this is a picture book.

That said, it is my favorite picture book of all time. I read this when I was about four and I still remember the gorgeous illustrations and the beautiful, sad plot. I honestly still love this book and I have to read it to my kids one day.

Basically it's about this girl in Italy who walks around a garden and finds a statue of a beautiful boy and when she meets him next he is real. She befriends him and she finally has a companion and thy go through a lot together.

Love this book

[Susanna Bullmam · Rating 4 out of 5]

PB
This is a beautifully illustrated book. The illustrations are its greatest appeal. The story is engaging though has a melancholy tone. Valerie and Cherubino's friendship is a brief one and too soon they separate but as Valerie is left with the sure sense she will see Cherubino again so we the reader are left with a sense of optimism and the hope of good things to come. I like the story but it is the illustrations the draw me back to the book again and again