Sparrow's Easter Garden

by Roger Hutchison, Ag Jatkowska (Illustrator)

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Friendship, Christian

36 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 20, 2026

About the author

Roger Hutchison is an author, illustrator, educator, and director of Christian Formation and Parish Life at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas.

In addition to the forthcoming picture book, Sparrow's Prayer, to be released in 2023 from Beaming Books and The Art of Calm: Spiritual Exercises for the Anxious Soul (Working Title) to be released in May 2023 by Morehouse, Roger is the author of seven other books, including My Favorite Color Is Blue; Sometimes: A Journey through Loss with Art and Color; and The Very Best Day: The Way of Love for Children.

Roger's ambition is to use art, color, and poetic language to communicate love and promote healing and hope in today's hurting world.

You can find him online at www.rogerhutchisonbooks.com and on Instagram , where he interacts regularly with his 7100+ followers on topics including art, faith, and mental health.

Reviews

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparrow is worried that the garden won't be ready in time for Easter, so all his friends help him to clear out old leaves, replant some of the old plants, and sow new seeds in the spring soil. When a terrible thunderstorm threatens to ruin all their hard work, Sparrow and his friends keep their faith, knowing that Easter represents resurrection and hope. On Easter morning, they see that the garden has blossomed and they rejoice together!

This was such a sweet book reflecting on the season of Lent and Easter. I really loved the metaphor of our hearts being like a garden that we tend, clearing out the old dead things during Lent to make way for joyful blossoms on Easter.

Sparrow and all the little animals are so cute! I loved the soft art style and the designs for all the animal characters. Beautiful art work on every page!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good choice for an Easter or spring read aloud, this picture book features Sparrow who eagerly anticipates an abundant garden filled with greenery and flowers. But of course, winter's weather and temperature are hard on plants, and the garden he envisions is ravaged by the season. Still, his friends assure him that all will be fine if they work hard. For forty days, that's just what they do, planting seeds and seedlings, and tending to the soil. They even experience a setback when a storm dampens down the emerging plants. Any readers who are gardeners will recognize the emotions shared by these animal friends and know that it takes time for all these seeds to grow and blossom. The excitement and joy the animals experience when their expectations are met on Easter are palpable in the artwork, which is colorful, sunny, and hopeful as is the Author's Note that makes a connection to Easter, resurrection, and new life.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparrow's second story is wonderfully timed - not just for Lent and Easter - but for the messy, scary, and uncertain days we're currently living in. This is a lovely story that not only serves as a gentle introduction to Lent and Easter, but also for teaching children the importance of keeping hope in dark times, working together for good to repair a broken world, and trusting in the promise that Easter joy will always follow the grief and fear of Good Friday.

[abbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sparrow and friends use the 40 days before Easter to prepare a garden. Sparrow is worried that all of the work they are doing won’t result in anything. Hutchison uses this to model the solemn, preparatory season of Lent (the 40 days before Easter).

[Missy Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the talking about Lent in the context of gardening. I have read this book with several children. They really enjoyed the illustrations and reading about the garden.

[Kimberly Monaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The children’s picture book, Sparrow’s Easter Garden, is a lovely introduction to the season of Lent. https://booksuplift.com/sparrows-east...