The Secret Garden (A Stepping Stone Book)

My seven-year-old daughter loves to read and I was eager to introduce her to the classics in English literature. I knew the original versions might be too daunting for her due to the high level vocabulary and have been looking around for well-written adaptations that retain the essence of the original.James Howe has done a great job on this adaptation. The language is just right, it is not too easy and yet not too advanced for an independent young reader. There are some lovely black and white illustrations in this book that keep readers engaged with the story. The Secret Garden is one of my daughter's favorite books, and she is now looking forward to reading the unabridged version, well in the near future anyway.There are many other classics in the Stepping Stones Classics chapter book series, and I highly recommend them for independent young readers who'd like to read the classics. There is also an excellent DVD of The Secret Garden which I think would be a lovely complement to this book: The Secret Garden There is also a nice sequel on DVD which my daughter enjoyed: Back to the Secret Garden

My daughter and I are reading this together and she loves it and looks forward nightly to continue reading it.

Bought for my 8 yr old grand daughter and she loves it! Great story and she can read this to her sister.

I've found the stepping stones abridged classics are very hit and miss. Mostly miss, which isn't really that surprising. This one's good: the author did a fine job of capturing the flavor of the original and the narrative is coherent. I didn't mind reading it and my seven year old son found it enjoyable enough as a bedtime story despite relatively few illustrations (and he is a tough sell on more challenging reads).

good reading for children

I got this book for the age level to give as a Christmas gift as I enjoyed this story when I was young and hope my great granddaughter will like it as much as I did.

I chose this rating because it was an excellent book, and I liked it so much I will recommend it to my friends and family

Bought as a gifts for my grandchildren, one who is starting to read. I loved this story as a child

A great option to introduce beginner readers to Classical Literatur

Chegou tudo dentro do esperado!

Children's classic.

I recalled this book which I read when young had an inspirational wonderful story of recovery relevant to young people and I sent itto my sister for her daughter who became suddenly sick in the Spring with no reason as she was a healthy young working womanin the health food industry. I am still waiting to hear how it appealed to her and it may take some time as she has to relearn allactivities including holding a book and reading it. I am hopeful it will provide encouragement in due course.