Lily's Victory Garden
- Author Helen L. Wilbur
- Illustrator: Robert Gantt Steele
- Published by Sleeping Bear Press
When Lily learns about a lottery for land plots to grow Victory Gardens, she tries to apply. But when the garden club president tells her she's too young to participate, Lily refuses to give up. She knows where there's a house with a big yard.
The Bishops live in the largest house in town. It also has the largest yard. But the Bishops' son was the first soldier from the town to die in the war. Now Mrs. Bishop has hidden herself away in their house.
When Lily asks Mr. Bishop for the use of a small plot within his yard, his grudging approval comes with the stern warning, "No bothering Mrs. Bishop."
As Lily nurtures her garden, she discovers that the human heart is its own garden, with the same needs for attention and love.
A former librarian, Helen L. Wilbur now works on the electronic side of the publishing world. Lily's Victory Garden was inspired by family stories of life on the home front during WWII. Helen also authored M is for Meow: A Cat Alphabet. She lives in New York City.
Robert Gantt Steele has illustrated many projects and books about the American experience. He is particularly interested in military and WWII history. Robert lives in northern California.
- Published/Released: February 2010
Price: US $16.95
Reviews
"Absolutely true to the era, the illustrations are perfect, each page rendered in that particular beauty and effect I've come to know with all Sleeping Bear Press books. That the illustrator was able to capture, not just the true essence and feel of the times, the neighborhoods, the people, even the animals, but the actual quality of illustrative artwork used during that desperate, but caring time in our history when people pulled together, laying aside differences and class prejudices in order to save our country and the world, jumps from the pages. As an artist and illustrator myself, I have nothing but the highest regard for Mr. Robert Gantt Steele's talent.
And the story? It will touch your heart, and you'll pull it out over and over again to read to your children and grandchildren. A true book to cherish. Bravo, Helen L. Wilbur and Sleeping Bear Press. Lily's Victory Garden is all anyone could ever hope for and more--a good book for keeping forever, to be cherished by young and old, alike."
~ DL Keur, Editor TheDeepening.com
"This touching book can help younger children understand the very personal repercussions of war, ranging from the loss of family members to widespread scarcities of basic consumption goods. Vibrant paintings and an informative author’s note add to the book’s message about the importance of community action and support during times of need."
~ Yana V. Rodgers, Rutgers University Project on Economics and Children