Noah's Garden

A story about the power of imagination in transcending - however briefly - circumstances beyond your control.

Noah and his family are living in The Children’s Hospital because his new sister, Jessica, was born with a serious medical condition. Normal family life is suspended indefinitely for Noah, but in the true spirit of childhood, he spends his days in the hospital garden, creating an imaginary world, longing for the day when Jess can join him.

- Noah’s Garden is based on the author’s observations of her friends' experiences in a Melbourne Hospital where they lived for seven months after their daughter, Jessica, was born with a serious medical condition.
- As such, it's written as a tribute to all the families who have to stay in hospitals for long periods of time and for whom gardens become an oasis where children can play and families can attempt to have regular lives, even for the briefest of times.
- Explores the role of the imagination in dealing with adversity and explores the importance of a sanctuary - such as a garden - when families are in need.

About The Author

Mo Johnson was born in Glasgow, Scotland, but moved to Sydney in 1991. A former English teacher, Mo began writing for children in 2005 after having a couple of short stories published in the American series Chicken Soup for the Soul. Her debut YA novel Boofheads was released in 2008 to much acclaim and was a 2009 Children’s Book Council of Australia Notable Book. Noah’s Garden is her first picture book.

About The Illustrator

Annabelle Josse was born in Normandy, France, but moved to Australia in 1997. While Annabelle’s main educational background is in biology and chemistry, she has also studied art as a side-project since she was 15 years old. Today, Annabelle illustrates with a focus on children and she currently lives in Sydney with her husband and three kids. Noah’s Garden is her first picture book.