Mary Alice Baumgardner

In the Garden of Kiddleywinks Mary Alice Baumgardner

DESCRIPTION of "KIDDLEYWINKS" Kiddleywinks, a creepy-crawly caterpillar, brought new life to The Garden, teaching Jeremy Toad to somersault; Johnny Jump-Ups to whistle; and Crickets to harmonize with humming Flowers. After seeing his wormy reflection in a puddle, Kiddleywinks was shocked. How he hoped that he could change! The Garden was merry, musical and energetic until Kiddleywinks heard The Far-Off Song and disappeared inside a little, brown sac. The Flowers and Garden Creatures, overcome by the loss of their friend, sank into the earth. Sun hid, while Breeze wailed. After a long siege of cold and darkness, Sun looked down at The Garden. She shook her golden curls and sputtered, "Oh, goodness. My friends need me." Breeze agreed, saying, "I must slow down and catch my breath." The Flowers and Garden Creatures soon reappeared, looking for Kiddleywinks. They heard his voice from inside the sac. "He needs help!" Jeremy Toad yelled. "No. I must do this myself," Kiddleywinks insisted. But when he emerged from that little sac, indeed, he had changed. He looked completely different! Could this be the same Kiddleywinks? "In the Garden of Kiddleywinks" is a delightful, compelling allegory, testifying to the wonder of transformation. The author's vivid watercolor illustrations complement the poetic narrative. "Extra Tidbits from Kiddleywinks", at the end of the story, include fun facts and inspirational quotes.