Through the Garden Gate Book and Author Feature

Through the Garden Gate by Sharon Rose, Erin Brown
Genres: Children's
Format: eARC
Source: Provided by author for honest review
Goodreads

A classic story for the modern era, Through the Garden Gate is a beautifully illustrated picture book that takes readers on a journey from the mundane to the magical, exploring the wonders of the garden through a child’s imagination.

Miles is bored one summer’s day—until a visit to a neighbor leads to a surprising a mysterious garden gate—and the adventure of a lifetime. What begins as an ordinary afternoon transforms into a magical journey filled with fairies, curious critters, and the most enchanting plants.

Every plant Miles encounters is based on real-life flora, carefully and accurately illustrated by Erin Brown. Readers can learn more about them in the back of the book, too!

Written by debut author and renowned garden designer Sharon Rose, Through the Garden Gate will take root in your imagination, delighting young readers and reminding us all of the magic that lives in the garden.

New Picture Book Through the Garden Gate Invites Children Into a World Where Imagination and Nature Thrive 

Through the Garden Gate

By Sharon Rose | Illustrated by Erin Brown 

On Sale: April 7, 2026 

Publisher: The Collective Book Studio Kids 

 

Blurb:

Through the Garden Gate (The Collective Book Studio, April 7, 2026) is a lushly illustrated picture book that invites children ages 4–8 to step into a world where fantasy and ecology intertwine. 

Written by award-winning garden designer Sharon Rose and illustrated by Erin Brown, this enchanting story is both a whimsical adventure and an introduction to the wonders of native plants and natural ecosystems. 

When Miles discovers a neighbor’s mysterious gate, he wanders into a secret garden alive with talking animals, fluttering fairies, and vibrant flora. 

Each page reveals magical details inspired by real-life plants, encouraging children to look more closely at the world outside their own doors. 

 

 Julie’s Review of Through the Garden Gate

What a beautiful book and magical story. First, the illustrations are spectacular. The pages are filled with beautiful gardens and even magical animals.

It’s got Alice in Wonderland and The Secret Garden vibes with Miles going through a little fairy door to find this magical world where he helps the inhabitants and learns more about gardening.

What starts out as a boring summer break day, turns into helping a neighbor with a useful task in her garden, to a magical adventure.

I also loved that the book closed with descriptions of actual plants and animals used in the book. Hey, let’s learn something today!

This book would make a lovely kids read aloud and encourage outdoor adventures and growing a garden with your family. I hope this book inspires you to go on a nature walk and learn about some flora and fauna.

 

Why Readers Will Love Through the Garden Gate 

• Fantasy Meets Ecology: A tale that blends fairies and imagination with real plants and environmental knowledge. 
• Classic Storybook Style: Rich illustrations recall beloved classics like The Secret Garden and Miss Rumphius. 
• Interactive Learning: Includes backmatter with plant facts, ecology insights, and a garden-themed seek-and-find activity. 
• Created by Experts: Sharon Rose, a garden designer, ensures accuracy in the flora depicted, while Erin Brown’s timeless illustrations bring the magical garden to life. 

 

Author Interview

Describe your writing process. Do you outline, plot, and plan, or is your writing more organic?  

I start with a spiral watercolor sketchpad and paper.  I write and I sketch scenes or ideas along with the outline.. sometimes I focus in on a scene and sketch it in detail then wash it later with watercolor.. so that I don’t forget the vivid imagery of the scene that I visualized that day.  I also utilize lined notecards along with the sketchbook to help organize the plot and order of the story

 

Have you been able to incorporate your previous experience in your jobs/education in your writing?

Yes.  I am a garden designer.  I have incorporated my love and curiosity of plants into Through The Garden Gate

 

What is your favorite line from your book?  

“Miles feared he would need to give up.  Then he had a thought and said, “The unknown is simply that – unknown.  

Until someone has the courage to try, you’ll never really know.”

 

What do you like to do when you’re not writing? 

Hiking and gardening

 

What do you hope to teach or inspire in children reading your book?

My hope for readers of all ages … is that this book will inspire them to connect with nature…My wish: May it spark your curiosity and wonder of the magic of gardens.

 

Describe the child that is your target reader.  

Ages 3-8

 

About the Author

Sharon Rose is an award-winning garden designer and environmental artist based in San Francisco. She is the founder of STUDIO SF Landscape Design, where she revitalizes natural landscapes and creates distinctive outdoor spaces. With over two decades of experience, her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Sunset Magazine, and Luxe Interiors + Design. She is passionate about inspiring children to see the magic in the natural world.

About the Illustrator

Erin Brown is a Northern Irish illustrator based in Jersey, Channel Islands. Known for her detailed, traditional-meets-digital style, her work includes Tales from the Forest and Finding Calm in Nature. She draws inspiration from folklore, nature, and her coastal upbringing.

About Collective Book Studio 

The Collective Book Studio is a woman-owned, independent press based in Oakland, CA that publishes high-quality lifestyle, gift, and children’s books. Founded by industry leader Angela Engel in 2019, the Collective leads the West Coast publishing scene with innovative content and tactile design. 

 

For more information about “Through the Garden Gate,” please visit www.throughthegardengatebook.com

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