This debut picture book from acclaimed and New York Times bestselling author Margaret Renkl-with collage illustrations by her brother, fine artist Billy Renkl-invites readers to observe and wonder about the various inhabitants in the vibrant ecosystem of a wildlife-friendly backyard garden. Features backmatter.
If you were hungry squirrel in the weedy garden, where would you find an acorn? If you were a cottontail rabbit, where would you hide your bunnies? And if you were a child, sitting still and listening, what would the weedy garden say to you?
Margaret Renkl, a beloved regular contributor to The New York Times and two-time recipient of the Southern Book Prize, writes beautifully about our changing natural world. In her debut picture book, she asks questions that draw young readers deeper and deeper into the garden, inviting observation and conversation along the way. Each page turn introduces a new plant or animal friend, buzzing and dancing with quiet wonder. The fine artist Billy Renkl, Margaret Renkl's brother and frequent collaborator, brings the weedy garden to life through his signature mixed-media collages. Includes backmatter with more information about the residents of the garden, eco-friendly gardening tips, and instructions on how to make your own collage art project at home or in school.
With evergreen themes of patience and respect for the natural world, The Weedy Garden will appeal to readers of Plant the Tiny Seed, On Meadowview Street, and Peter Brown's The Curious Garden.
| ISBN: | 9780063432819 |
| Publication date: | 9th April 2026 |
| Author: | Margaret Renkl |
| Illustrator: | Billy Renkl |
| Publisher: | Greenwillow Books an imprint of HarperCollins |
| Format: | Hardback |
| Pagination: | 40 pages |
| Genres: |
Children’s / Teenage general interest: Rodents and rabbits Early years: the body and the senses Early years: colours Early years: time and seasons Children’s / Teenage general interest: Insects, spiders, minibeasts Children’s / Teenage general interest: Reptiles and amphibians Children’s / Teenage general interest: Plants and trees Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Yoga, meditation, mindfulness Ecological and Environmental Interest - Non Fiction Children’s / Teenage fiction: General, modern and contemporary fiction Animal Stories |