Frances Hodgson Burnett

The Secret Garden Frances Hodgson Burnett

The Secret Garden is a children's novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett first published as a book in 1911, after some version was published as an American magazine serial beginning in 1910. Set in England, it is one of Burnett's most popular novels and is considered a classic of English children's literature. Several stage and film adaptations have been made. At the turn of the 20th century, Mary Lennox is a sickly and unloved 10-year-old girl, born in India to wealthy British parents who never wanted her. She is cared for by servants, who allow her to become a spoiled, aggressive and selfish child. Through the discovery of her aunt's secret garden, her brother, and a cousin, Mary becomes a child we would all like to have as part of our household. The Secret Garden has become an important part of children's literature: in 2003, it ranked number 51 in "The Big Read," a survey of the British public by the BBC to identify the "Nation's Best-loved Novel" among all genres. Based on a 2007 online poll, the U. S. National Education Association named it one of "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children." In 2012 it was ranked number 15 among all-time children's novels in a survey published by School Library Journal. This edition of the book contains the four original illustrations, rejuvenated, and six additional nature illustrations unique to this edition of the book.