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Ollie's Garden
Ollie is king of his garden. Animals and insects of all colors, shapes, and sizes live among its grasses, flowers, and trees. When the garden creatures fight, Ollie is left to sort out the mess and return peace to his garden kingdom. Will Ollie’s garden become a place of acceptance and tolerance? Find out when you pick up this lively garden tale!
36 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2020
4 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Riya Aarini
49 books53 followersRiya Aarini entered her small part of the world one summer day in the Pacific Northwest. She’s the creator of the What Was It Like series—engaging prompt journals that invite readers to join the fun of exploring their unique and collective histories. She also dabbles in an eclectic mix of genres, being drawn mostly to humor, paranormal comedy, and creative nonfiction.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 18, 2020
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Little Ollie loved his garden so much that he decided he was the King of it and went outside wearing a crown and robe. He loved the colours and the scents and sights that surrounded him. He also loved all the animals and insects.
However, the animals and insects didn’t quite love one another. The different coloured ladybugs were fighting, the frogs and toads were arguing and the squirrels and chipmunks were falling out. Ollie tries to tell them to behave themselves but they didn’t listen. Then he realised a valuable lesson that he needed to share with the creatures to bring them together.
Ollie’s Garden is the third book in the Carefree Ollie series by Riya Aarini, with ‘Ollie’s Backpack‘ and ‘Ollie’s Haffiness‘ being the previous two books released earlier this year.
When I first began the series I was a little unsure of the way the plot was written in book one as it seemed to divert from the main theme and it felt overly long. Book two stayed on track with the plot but I did have a small issue with it. However, this book is really beautiful and I can’t find any faults.
The book is just the right length. It has superb full-page illustrations that show how colouful the garden and the animals are. Ollie has the right attitude towards the situations with creatures falling out and it was nice to see him come to realise that the world needs diversity and so do the animals.
This is a very sweet book and the best so far in the series. I now can’t wait to see what author Riya Aarini has next for Ollie.
Little Ollie loved his garden so much that he decided he was the King of it and went outside wearing a crown and robe. He loved the colours and the scents and sights that surrounded him. He also loved all the animals and insects.
However, the animals and insects didn’t quite love one another. The different coloured ladybugs were fighting, the frogs and toads were arguing and the squirrels and chipmunks were falling out. Ollie tries to tell them to behave themselves but they didn’t listen. Then he realised a valuable lesson that he needed to share with the creatures to bring them together.
Ollie’s Garden is the third book in the Carefree Ollie series by Riya Aarini, with ‘Ollie’s Backpack‘ and ‘Ollie’s Haffiness‘ being the previous two books released earlier this year.
When I first began the series I was a little unsure of the way the plot was written in book one as it seemed to divert from the main theme and it felt overly long. Book two stayed on track with the plot but I did have a small issue with it. However, this book is really beautiful and I can’t find any faults.
The book is just the right length. It has superb full-page illustrations that show how colouful the garden and the animals are. Ollie has the right attitude towards the situations with creatures falling out and it was nice to see him come to realise that the world needs diversity and so do the animals.
This is a very sweet book and the best so far in the series. I now can’t wait to see what author Riya Aarini has next for Ollie.
October 13, 2020
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Ollie's Garden in the 2nd book I have read in this series so far and so far is my favourite.
In this book Ollie (who likes to play at being a king) rules over his garden domain and when he tries to take a nap he keeps being awoken by the insects and animals of the garden arguing over who is better, who deserves to be there etc.
Ollie tells each group of garden creatures they must share and get along but this doesn't stop them arguing and fighting with each other.
Ollie realises after time away from the garden that no matter what colour, ability or beliefs the creatures need to realise they all belong and each are as important and deserving as the other. Ollie gives a speech to the creatures to this affect and harmony is restored.
This is a fantastic book for young children which they will be able to understand the meaning of which is no matter who we are and whatever our skin colour, race, beliefs, abilities or disabilities we are all equal and shouldn't be discriminated against.
Ollie's Garden in the 2nd book I have read in this series so far and so far is my favourite.
In this book Ollie (who likes to play at being a king) rules over his garden domain and when he tries to take a nap he keeps being awoken by the insects and animals of the garden arguing over who is better, who deserves to be there etc.
Ollie tells each group of garden creatures they must share and get along but this doesn't stop them arguing and fighting with each other.
Ollie realises after time away from the garden that no matter what colour, ability or beliefs the creatures need to realise they all belong and each are as important and deserving as the other. Ollie gives a speech to the creatures to this affect and harmony is restored.
This is a fantastic book for young children which they will be able to understand the meaning of which is no matter who we are and whatever our skin colour, race, beliefs, abilities or disabilities we are all equal and shouldn't be discriminated against.
November 11, 2020
Wearing a crown and carrying a stick scepter, Ollie sits upon his tree stump throne admiring the flowers, vegetables and fruits growing in his garden. The sun is shining and soon Ollie drifts off to sleep..but the ladybugs are fighting and soon the toads and frogs, not to mention the squirrels and chipmunks.
Soon the Royals were defending bugs and creatures alike as King Ollie tried to make peace. The story goes through each battle and each time Ollie tells them the same thing. Sophia and Clayton began shouting it along with him, much to my delight.
By the second read through, Sophia using picture clues and sight words could tell me the story. We all talked about the differences and likenesses of the different squabblers and all agreed they should share.
The Carefree Ollie series offers humor, lessons, and engages young readers. There was more text in this story than previous books, but the number of sight words Sophia could identify delighted me.
The illustrations by Virvalle Carvallo were colorful. They This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Soon the Royals were defending bugs and creatures alike as King Ollie tried to make peace. The story goes through each battle and each time Ollie tells them the same thing. Sophia and Clayton began shouting it along with him, much to my delight.
By the second read through, Sophia using picture clues and sight words could tell me the story. We all talked about the differences and likenesses of the different squabblers and all agreed they should share.
The Carefree Ollie series offers humor, lessons, and engages young readers. There was more text in this story than previous books, but the number of sight words Sophia could identify delighted me.
The illustrations by Virvalle Carvallo were colorful. They This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
September 5, 2020
The way children think and see the world around them is not always the same as adults. So, although I was a little hesitant about this book, my little one was just thrilled, reading about Ollie and his garden, filled with quarrels between red and yellow ladybugs, the frogs and toads arguing and the squirrels and chipmunks were falling out..
The book follows two distinct paths, through the first children you can see the color of the outside world, what the garden looks like and what creatures can be seen there, what colors can be seen in the garden. The beautiful illustrations masterfully highlight the colorfulness of nature, the garden and the animals. The other directive, which is a bit more subtle, does indicate the diversity of all of us. We are all in some way different, but one should not judge by differences, different does not mean something bad, but rather bring more fun to the world.. Through the stories of Ollie and his words, every child can see that the world needs variety, as well as animals.
The length of the book is completely satisfactory, the text and the style of writing are adapted to the children.
The book follows two distinct paths, through the first children you can see the color of the outside world, what the garden looks like and what creatures can be seen there, what colors can be seen in the garden. The beautiful illustrations masterfully highlight the colorfulness of nature, the garden and the animals. The other directive, which is a bit more subtle, does indicate the diversity of all of us. We are all in some way different, but one should not judge by differences, different does not mean something bad, but rather bring more fun to the world.. Through the stories of Ollie and his words, every child can see that the world needs variety, as well as animals.
The length of the book is completely satisfactory, the text and the style of writing are adapted to the children.
November 3, 2020
The third book in the series, Ollie’s garden comes with a brand-new lesson, a lesson that’s important in these times. The creatures in the garden have issues amongst themselves and, they end fighting and arguing with each other. They go to Ollie to resolve their issues. After spending an entire day in the garden, he loses perspective. He goes out and plays with his friends and that when he gets the idea to resolve the issues amongst his garden beings.
The lesson in this book is special because there is a two-fold lesson. First, when Ollie announces himself the king of the garden, he also takes up the responsibility of its living being. Second, with diversity comes complications, but accepting the differences makes it beautiful. And once again, Ollie has to learn his lesson and grow up and become a notch wiser.
The book, like its earlier two books, has fascinating and enticing illustrations. Aarini has superseded herself and, I will love to read the next book in the series.
The preceding books of the series are Ollie’s Backpack and Ollie’s Haffiness, which released earlier in the year.
The lesson in this book is special because there is a two-fold lesson. First, when Ollie announces himself the king of the garden, he also takes up the responsibility of its living being. Second, with diversity comes complications, but accepting the differences makes it beautiful. And once again, Ollie has to learn his lesson and grow up and become a notch wiser.
The book, like its earlier two books, has fascinating and enticing illustrations. Aarini has superseded herself and, I will love to read the next book in the series.
The preceding books of the series are Ollie’s Backpack and Ollie’s Haffiness, which released earlier in the year.
September 17, 2020
Ollie loves his garden and enjoys seeing so much of nature’s beauty in it. This is a fun and well illustrated children’s story with plenty of colour and vibrancy to help young readers recognize all the wonderful things in the world surrounding them.
I enjoyed how this story was short enough to read to youngsters, but still had a solid plot and a lesson for adults to help impart to children. I feel this gentle but important moral should help teach children about being fair, showing tolerance and not taking revenge when others treat them wrong. This lesson was repeated a few times – shown with the red and orange ladybugs, the toads and the frogs, then the squirrels and the chipmunks.
I thought it quite important how even though Ollie got frustrated when the garden animals wouldn’t listen to him and get along, Ollie persevered until playing with his own friends gave him an idea on how to sort his own problems out. While Ollie admittedly showed a maturity and wisdom well beyond his young years – I feel the delivery and lesson showcased throughout the story is a vital one for youngsters and is one well-deserved on repeating over and over.
The brightly colored pictures and easily-relatable style of the story should hopefully keep kids both entertained – but also help them learn the important life-lesson being portrayed here.
Fun and a lovely short read, this is an excellent book with a great moral.
I enjoyed how this story was short enough to read to youngsters, but still had a solid plot and a lesson for adults to help impart to children. I feel this gentle but important moral should help teach children about being fair, showing tolerance and not taking revenge when others treat them wrong. This lesson was repeated a few times – shown with the red and orange ladybugs, the toads and the frogs, then the squirrels and the chipmunks.
I thought it quite important how even though Ollie got frustrated when the garden animals wouldn’t listen to him and get along, Ollie persevered until playing with his own friends gave him an idea on how to sort his own problems out. While Ollie admittedly showed a maturity and wisdom well beyond his young years – I feel the delivery and lesson showcased throughout the story is a vital one for youngsters and is one well-deserved on repeating over and over.
The brightly colored pictures and easily-relatable style of the story should hopefully keep kids both entertained – but also help them learn the important life-lesson being portrayed here.
Fun and a lovely short read, this is an excellent book with a great moral.
February 16, 2021
Teaches a Lesson
This is a book that teaches children that being different is okay and we need difference in our world. The only thing I would question is why the boy fell asleep all the time when he made it clear he was going in to the garden to play. Perhaps an explanation of maybe how the sights, smells, and sounds relaxed him so much that he couldn’t keep his eyes open and fell asleep. If that was there, I apologize and missed it. Otherwise very good. Congratulations!
This is a book that teaches children that being different is okay and we need difference in our world. The only thing I would question is why the boy fell asleep all the time when he made it clear he was going in to the garden to play. Perhaps an explanation of maybe how the sights, smells, and sounds relaxed him so much that he couldn’t keep his eyes open and fell asleep. If that was there, I apologize and missed it. Otherwise very good. Congratulations!
September 1, 2020
I received an electronic ARC from Riya Aarini through NetGalley.
Third book in Aarini's Ollie series. This time Ollie has to deal with fusses and fights in his garden. Ladybugs, toads, frogs, squirrels and chipmunks all spat and bring their fights to King Ollie. He settles the battles and tells them to get along. Unfortunately, this doesn't work. After leaving to calm his temper and play with his friends, he gets another idea. He gathers his subjects and shares why each is important and how it's only when they work together that the garden is at its best.
Lovely story about cooperation for preschool and lower elementary level. Great read aloud to lead to discussion on living in community.
Third book in Aarini's Ollie series. This time Ollie has to deal with fusses and fights in his garden. Ladybugs, toads, frogs, squirrels and chipmunks all spat and bring their fights to King Ollie. He settles the battles and tells them to get along. Unfortunately, this doesn't work. After leaving to calm his temper and play with his friends, he gets another idea. He gathers his subjects and shares why each is important and how it's only when they work together that the garden is at its best.
Lovely story about cooperation for preschool and lower elementary level. Great read aloud to lead to discussion on living in community.
October 10, 2020
ollie is frustrated that his animal friends are constantly fighting. He sets out on a mission to show them that they are all equally important. This is an awesome message to teach kids about diversity.
August 28, 2020
This is a great book for children. I did not know it is third in a series but it can be read independently. The illustrations are beautiful, the colors used very lively and I went back to my childhood when I had such books which had colorful pictures and had timeless morals. Please do not judge the book from an adult’s point of view. When you see the book, see like you would’ve done if you were a child of four years.
. The moral of unity in diversity and how a kaleidoscopic mosaic helps in the building of a fruitful society is wonderfully done.
https://audrizablog.wordpress.com/202...
. The moral of unity in diversity and how a kaleidoscopic mosaic helps in the building of a fruitful society is wonderfully done.
https://audrizablog.wordpress.com/202...
September 9, 2020
4/5 stars!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The illustrations in this book are so cute and colorful. This book tackles about differences among individuals and how it connects and unites us all. I loved how this is shown in the book, from Ollie almost giving up to having realizations and then doing something about it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The illustrations in this book are so cute and colorful. This book tackles about differences among individuals and how it connects and unites us all. I loved how this is shown in the book, from Ollie almost giving up to having realizations and then doing something about it.
November 16, 2020
This is a wonderful book. It teaches our differences are a good thing. We all need to get along. Ollie is a wonderful little boy. He is king of his garden, with various plants and animals. Great read for children as well as adults.
Beautiful, realistic illustrations.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.
Beautiful, realistic illustrations.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems.
November 26, 2020
Ollie is back!!! How I love the series of this boy. Very interesting read instead. This time about diversity, in the form of his garden. Nowadays the difference make a gap between one ethnic to other, from one religion to other, even a virus can create hatred toward each other. We are reminded that the difference should be overcome, because we complete each other by our dissimilarity.
August 25, 2020
A fantastic book illustrating equality and diversity, it was a pleasure to read and a wonderful addition to your child's library.
April 4, 2021
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is book three in the series and I've been enjoying book one and two a lot. So I was glad to receive an email that the third book was available!
This book was a delight. Let's start with the beautiful illustrations. I loved them in the first two books, and since nature is a part of this book, it all looks beautiful.
Full review can be found at BiteIntoBooks
Then to the story. I see what you did there Riya. With the animals and the differences and the arguments about it. I think it's a really important topic and I loved that the book brought that extra layer.
I could totally see myself bringing this book to class and having a conversation about it with younger children. It would be lovely to give each other compliments after reading the book; on what is different about your friend or your classmate. This book embraces positivity and being different in my opinion and it does touch a topic that is important and definitely current in today's society.
This is book three in the series and I've been enjoying book one and two a lot. So I was glad to receive an email that the third book was available!
This book was a delight. Let's start with the beautiful illustrations. I loved them in the first two books, and since nature is a part of this book, it all looks beautiful.
Full review can be found at BiteIntoBooks
Then to the story. I see what you did there Riya. With the animals and the differences and the arguments about it. I think it's a really important topic and I loved that the book brought that extra layer.
I could totally see myself bringing this book to class and having a conversation about it with younger children. It would be lovely to give each other compliments after reading the book; on what is different about your friend or your classmate. This book embraces positivity and being different in my opinion and it does touch a topic that is important and definitely current in today's society.
November 24, 2020
Prose (Story): The third book in the Carefree Ollie early reader series finds little Ollie this time as king of his own garden. Serving over its flowers, trees - and the creatures who live among them - Ollie's skills as ruler are put to the test when bickering breaks out between different factions of the ladybugs, the squirrels and chipmunks, and frogs and toads. Can Ollie, dissension growing in his garden kingdom, show the animals and insects a way to co-exist - even become friends - in order to restore peace to his land?
Don's (Review): While I felt the first Ollie book, Ollie's Backpack, was a bit disjointed in the beginning, in the end I loved how it came together and the lesson it had in store for its reader. Ollie's Haffiness was even better, Ollie learning some genuine responsibility, and I loved how the book depicted both him and his friends, emphasizing diversity. And while Ollie's Garden fits perfectly into the series, Virvalle Carvallo's bold and colorful illustrations as charming as ever, for me this one felt a bit too "on-the-nose" in its message, also definitely honing in more to its intended audience of children, over the slightly broader appeal of the two previous editions. But then, who else is the book for? 3.5/5 stars
NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
Don's (Review): While I felt the first Ollie book, Ollie's Backpack, was a bit disjointed in the beginning, in the end I loved how it came together and the lesson it had in store for its reader. Ollie's Haffiness was even better, Ollie learning some genuine responsibility, and I loved how the book depicted both him and his friends, emphasizing diversity. And while Ollie's Garden fits perfectly into the series, Virvalle Carvallo's bold and colorful illustrations as charming as ever, for me this one felt a bit too "on-the-nose" in its message, also definitely honing in more to its intended audience of children, over the slightly broader appeal of the two previous editions. But then, who else is the book for? 3.5/5 stars
NOTE: I received a free ARC of this title from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read and review.
This is a cute story about Ollie and how he helps the members of his garden overcome their differences to get along. The story is pretty simple, with some pretty great vocabulary. The illustrations are super cute. This would be a great addition to a classroom or home library with younger kids (4 - 6 years).
This is a cute story about Ollie and how he helps the members of his garden overcome their differences to get along. The story is pretty simple, with some pretty great vocabulary. The illustrations are super cute. This would be a great addition to a classroom or home library with younger kids (4 - 6 years).
November 17, 2020
I love the illustrations, and I love the idea of this book. However, it was very wordy for a children’s book. The language could have been simplified and still gotten the point across in a more concise manner. I also did not like that Ollie stewed over his garden friends not being inclusive. He storms off each time, and gets more and more angry. I understand this is typical child behavior, but not something I would want to read to my own children as I feel like it reinforces their poor behavior, rather than modeling appropriate emotion regulation.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews