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The Night Gardener
Last updated Thursday, October 14, 2021
Author: Terry Fan
Illustrator: Eric Fan
Date of Publication: 2016
ISBN: 1481439782
Grade Level: 2nd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Oct. 2021
Synopsis:
One day, William discovers that the tree outside his window has been sculpted into a wise owl. In the following days, more topiaries appear, and each one is more beautiful than the last. Soon, William's gray little town is full of color and life. And though the mysterious night gardener disappears as suddenly as he appeared, William - and his town - are changed forever.
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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What do you think the book is about?
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Would you want to be a gardener? Why or why not?
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What do you know about owls?
Vocabulary
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Commotion – a noisy confusion; disorder
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Topiary – of shrubs and trees, trimmed into fanciful decorative shapes
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Festivities – the events or activities planned for or happening at a celebration
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Why do you think there are different animals outside William’s window everyday?
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What design would you like to make out of the leaves?
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How do you think The Night Gardener and William made those different shapes? What tools do you think they?
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Once there were no more leaves, where did The Night Gardener go?
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| Special activities: |
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Watch the magician video together.
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The class could talk about what they would make out of snow.
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The class could write a thank you note to The Night Gardener (for all the beautiful designs he made).
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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