The Secret of Sapling Green

A beautifully illustrated and imaginative story about belonging, appropriate for any child who may feel different at times. It may be particularly useful for neurodiverse children who are finding school a challenge, because it doesn’t medicalise difference or focus on a set of ‘symptoms’ that don’t necessarily, or even often, relate to all kids ‘on the spectrum’. Sapling, whose experience is unlike anyone else’s, is a character we can all connect with. * Picture Book Parents *
A story for the quiet children in a group or classroom environment, who are unsure how they fit. Often it is hard to connect with loud, boisterous children if you are naturally quiet and shy. Sapling Green allows young readers to see how she found a place in the group just by being herself. She might have had a little magic, but helping a young child find a little courage to approach or connect like Sapling does, it can make a world of difference – being almost magic! * What Book Next ? *
Unusual, believable and original — about saving of a school playground tree. Engaging illustrations. * Pinerolo (The Children’s Book Cottage Newsletter) *
The Secret of Sapling Green is an unusual book as it begins with a normal situation, but then flows into fantasy. Children will follow this switch in genre easily and happily accept the outcome. The storyline certainly involves the imagination and raises many questions for the avid reader. The idea that one can make a positive action to help make a friendship is a good one. * Blue Wolf Reviews *
We are not empty pots like those portrayed on the front endpaper – we each have magic hidden in our depths that allows us to bloom as individually as the pots on the back * The Bottom Shelf *
This book highlights that we all have our ways of being in the world and our own special talents and to accept who you are and others too for what they bring. * Swings and Roundabouts, a magazine *
A charmingly illustrated book for children who are different or don't necessarily always fit in but find their way and acceptance from others. * SchoolDays Magazine *
The Secret of Sapling Green is a beautifully told story with carefully chosen words in a brief text and with lovely illustrations. It’s message of acceptance of difference, both in ourselves and others, will stir empathy for children who are different and bring hope to those who struggle to fit in. An excellent teaching resource for starting class discussions about acceptance. * Reading Time *