Enchantment in the Garden

A classic and beautifully illustrated story about friendship by best-loved author–illustrator, Shirley Hughes.

Set in Italy in the 1920s, Enchantment in the Garden is the story of a lonely young girl called Valerie, who discovers a beautiful marble statue of a boy riding a dolphin. One magical day, the boy comes to life and the eternal friendship between Valerie and Cherubino, the son of a sea-god, begins.

Originally published in 1996, this is a timeless tale of friendship set against a backdrop of summer sunsets, renaissance gardens and dramatic seascapes. It has a strong environmental message and a richness of quality that could only come from the hands of world class author–illustrator Shirley Hughes.

About the Author

Shirley Hughes (1927–2022) illustrated more than 200 children’s books and is one of the best-loved writers for children. She won the Kate Greenaway Medal twice and was awarded the OBE for her distinguished service to children’s literature. In 2007, Dogger was voted the UK’s favourite Kate Greenaway Medal-winning book of all time.