Reading Metrics
Description
Lindsey is sad when her friend Julia moves away. She is convinced she will never find another friend to play with her in the garden. But when Julia's tulip bulb blooms in Lindsey's garden, a new friendship will also bloom.
Quick Summary
If you've got a kid who loves digging in the dirt or who's ever felt the sting of a friend moving away, this sweet little story is a perfect pick. Lindsey watches her friend Julia's tulip bulb sprout in her own garden, and as the flower blooms it becomes a symbol that new friendships can grow right when you least expect them. The plot is simple enough for early readers, but the emotional punch is just right for kindergarten through third grade there's a bit of sadness when Julia leaves, then a hopeful surprise when a new pal shows up to help tend the garden. Parents will appreciate that it deals with loss and change in a gentle, non-scary way, and the short length (under 1,200 words) keeps momentum without overwhelming reluctant readers. Fans of "The Tiny Seed" will love the garden setting, and those who have read "The Invisible Boy" will recognize the gentle way new friendships can blossom.