The Dog’s Gardener

The Dog’s Gardener is a perfect feel-good picture book for bringing joy to these troubled times. With a story by Patricia Storms that reflects on life’s simple pleasures from the perspective of a dog, plus colourful illustrations by Nathalie Dion that showcase Spring’s fresh start, The Dog’s Gardener will have wide appeal. Beyond the intended picture book audience of three- to five-year-olds, this story will warm the cockles of many dog lovers’ and gardeners’ hearts, regardless of their age.

Narrated by Dutch, The Dog’s Gardener describes what seems to be a typical Spring day for the dog and “his” gardener. The story begins with Dutch waiting to “hear her gentle voice” when he and the young woman he lives with awaken. After breakfast, they spend the rest of the day outside where they tend the garden, nap, and water the plants until the “light is starting to dim”. Finally, they return home “together”.

The illustrations, rendered in “hand-painted gouache textures combined with painting using a digital pastel brush”, are as simple and charming as the story. Featuring bright colours throughout, Dutch and his gardener are rendered in a cartoon-like style while the garden, itself, is softened with blurred outlines reminiscent of Impressionism. This combination creates a mood of joyful relaxation that visually extends the narrative theme.

Because The Dog’s Gardener provides temporary vicarious respite and a much-needed reminder of the simple, reliable joys of spending time in nature, it would make an excellent read-aloud for young children troubled by the ongoing atmosphere of tension constantly lurking in the air during the Covid pandemic; it would work equally well for an audience of one as for a class. The picture book would also be a delightful gift for any child who loves playing outside, as well as anyone of any age who enjoys dogs and/or gardening.