Zinny’s Secret Garden
When a beloved member of the woodland community falls dangerously ill, Zinny must draw upon everything she has learned from the generations before her.
As caretaker of a special garden first planted by her mother, Bessie Lasher, Zinny knows the healing power hidden within the mountain's plants and flowers. But when Bramble Whittaker's condition worsens and a fierce windstorm prevents Zinny from reaching the precious mullein flowers she needs to save him, she faces an impossible dilemma.
To save Bramble, Zinny must make a difficult choice: trust a human she barely knows with the woodland community's most closely guarded secret — a secret that has been protected for generations.
With courage, compassion, and a little help from an unexpected friend, Zinny discovers that kindness has a way of bringing people together. Filled with warmth, friendship, and heart, Zinny's Secret Garden celebrates trust, community, and the extraordinary things that can happen when we choose to help one another.
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Book details
- Publisher
- Serenity Coloring Co.
- Publication date
- February 27, 2026
- Format
- 6" x 9" illustrated chapter book
- Reading age
- Approximately ages 5–9
- ISBN (paperback)
- 979-8-90036-024-9
- ISBN (digital)
- 979-8-90036-025-6
- LCCN
- 2026904152
Primary characters
- Zinny — Goldie and Mitch's caring mother, gardener, and healer. Drawing upon knowledge passed down from her mother, Bessie Lasher, Zinny uses her understanding of plants, kindness, and community to help those in need.
- Goldie — A curious and adventurous young chipmunk whose enthusiasm, optimism, and encouragement help bring new ideas to life.
- Mitch — A thoughtful problem-solver who is always willing to lend a helping paw when family and friends need him.
- Zippy — A dependable husband and father whose steady support helps Zinny face difficult challenges when the woodland community needs her most.
- Bramble Whittaker — One of the smallest mice on the mountain, Bramble is a quiet and thoughtful resident of Deadwood whose sudden illness sets the story in motion.
- Debra — Train Mountain's head gardener, Debra's kindness, curiosity, and willingness to help lead to an unexpected friendship and an important decision for Zinny.
Key locations
- Brightseed Burrow — The family home of Goldie, Mitch, Zinny, and Zippy beneath the roots of a great pine tree on Daffodil Hill.
- Zinny's Garden — A special place where seeds, memories, and family traditions take root and grow.
- Deadwood — A woodland landmark and home to Bramble Whittaker, whose sudden illness sets the story in motion.
- Train Mountain — The larger woodland setting inspired by the real Train Mountain Railroad in Southern Oregon.
Themes
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