The Ghost Garden

In The Ghost Garden, Fran and Leo face unsettling events as childhood innocence collides with the looming threat of war. An evocative tale unfolds.

In The Ghost Garden, author Emma Carroll weaves a haunting narrative that captures the innocence of childhood against the backdrop of impending war. Set in the summer of 1914, the story follows young Fran as she uncovers a mysterious bone in her garden, coinciding with her friend Leo's unfortunate accident. This seemingly simple event spirals into a series of eerie occurrences that hint at deeper, unsettling truths lurking beneath the surface of their idyllic summer days.

As Leo is confined to his bed with a broken leg, Fran finds herself drawn into his imaginative yet alarming theories about the looming threat of conflict in Europe. The garden, once a place of joy and exploration, transforms into a realm filled with shadows and foreboding. Fran's perception of her familiar surroundings shifts dramatically as she grapples with the weight of the world encroaching upon her childhood.

The Ghost Garden is not just a tale of friendship and adventure; it is a poignant exploration of the fears and uncertainties that accompany the onset of war. Carroll's evocative prose invites readers to reflect on the loss of innocence and the impact of history on personal lives. This story is particularly suitable for readers aged 9 and above, providing a dyslexia-friendly experience that allows for an engaging exploration of themes relevant to young readers.