The Secret Garden

Name: The Secret Garden
Brand: Blackstone Audiobooks
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3.9 (76 reviews)
Author: Frances Hodgson Burnett
ISBN: 9781572706118

Author: Frances Hodgson Burnett

Narrator: Wanda McCaddon

Unabridged: 7 hr 49 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Blackstone Publishing

Published: 03/21/2013

Categories: Children's Fiction, Classic Children's Stories, Historical Stories

Synopsis

Mary, unloved and selfish, finds friendship and happiness helping her neurotic, invalid cousin become strong and healthy. Nature's powerful magic touches both children as they toil to revive their secret garden. The story alludes to some very modern themes including the ability of mental beliefs to create health, the strength of group optimism, and the restorative power of nature.

About Frances Hodgson Burnett

Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849–1924) was an English-born author of romances and books for children. After moving to America in 1865, she established a popular reputation with the publication of That Lass o’ Lowrie’s in 1877. She is best known for such novels as Little Lord Fauntleroy, A Little Princess, and The Secret Garden.

About Wanda McCaddon

Wanda McCaddon (d. 2023) narrated well over six hundred titles for major audiobook publishers, sometimes with the pseudonym Nadia May or Donada Peters. She earned the prestigious Audio Award for best narration and numerous Earphones Awards. She was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Cara (Wilde Book Garden) on March 09, 2023

Breathtaking illustrations and a wonderful job of adapting the classic novel. And I LOVE the note at the end about Mary!! it's exactly how I feel about her 💞......more

Goodreads review by Kate on December 28, 2022

the secret garden was a favorite book of mine growing up + the beautiful illustrations of this particular version truly brought the magic to life! 🌸🌺🌼......more

Goodreads review by Jasmin on October 18, 2023

Vielfach nacherzählt, neu interpretiert und verfilmt – ‚Der geheime Garten‘ von Frances Hodgson Burnett zählt nicht umsonst zu den beliebtesten Klassikern der Literaturgeschichte. Und jetzt können ihn auch die Kleinsten in die wunderbare Geschichte über Freundschaft und den Zauber der Natur eintauc......more

Goodreads review by Cara on December 10, 2020

Just because the text is a retelling doesn’t mean it’s dull – even in its simplicity, Brill’s evocative text really sets the scene and captures the evolution of the story, from a dreary setting and characters to the same ones in full bloom. Equally important to the book are the gorgeous and detailed......more

Goodreads review by Mother Goose on March 26, 2025

The Secret Garden retold by Calista Brill and illustrated by Adelina Lirius is a delightful, picture book version of the children’s classic. Brill’s retelling is an excellent way for younger readers to become familiar with Frances Hodgson Burnett’s original story. Lirius’s artwork is enchanting. Ill......more

Quotes

“The overall effort is very satisfying. This unabridged version is a great choice for family listening.”

“[A] tale of burgeoning self-awareness, newfound friendship, and the healing effects of nature… ”

“Mary is a tough feisty character, who manages to turn a whole household, and the lives of those in it, completely upside down…The book is brim full of magic and joy.”

“Frances Hodgson Burnett creates characters so strong and distinct [that] young readers continue to identify with them even eighty-five years after they were conceived.”

“It is only the exceptional author who can write a book about children with sufficient skill, charm, simplicity, and significance to make it acceptable to both young and old. Mrs. Burnett is one of the few thus gifted.”