The Secret Kingdom: Giveaway Winners

PICTURE BOOK GIVEAWAY for Librarians, Educators, Literacy Groups, and Immigrant Services Organizations

15 books were given away thanks to Candlewick Press!
 

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Secret Kingdom: Nek Chand, a Changing India, and a Hidden World of Art
By Barb Rosenstock
Illustrated by Claire A. Nivola
Published by Candlewick Press
ISBN-13: 9780763674755
Age Range: 7 – 10 Years

The incredible story of the world’s largest visionary environment: the Rock Garden of Chandigarh, kept secret by outsider artist Nek Chand for fifteen years.

“It’s a child’s dream.” —Nek Chand

After the partition of India in 1947, Nek Chand Saini settled in the city of Chandigarh, with nothing but stories brought from his homeland. Dismayed at his stark new surroundings, Nek began collecting river rocks, broken glass, and cracked water pots found on the roadside. He cleared a section of jungle and for seven years he stockpiled odds and ends. They were castoffs and rubbish to everyone else, but to Nek, they were treasures. He began to build a labyrinth of curving paths, mosaics, and repeating patterns: his very own tribute to the winding village of his youth, a hidden land of stories. Nek kept his kingdom secret for fifteen years, until a government crew stumbled upon it and sought to destroy it. But local fans agreed in awe: the Rock Garden had to be protected.

Author Barb Rosenstock introduces readers to the outsider artist’s stunning creation, while Claire A. Nivola’s illustrations bring to life the land’s natural beauty and the surreal world Nek coaxed from his wild landscape.

“A captivating biographical narrative, this book is an ideal choice for expanding any visual arts—focused picture book collection.”
—School Library Journal
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“Compelling, delicate, and spare, this book brings both artist and garden to life.”
—Kirkus Reviews
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“Chand’s quiet resolve comes through strongly in Nivola’s understated paintings, and a dramatic gatefold reveals photographs of his kingdom today. Rosenstock’s gratifying story conveys how art has the capacity to revitalize and restore.”
—Publishers Weekly

THE ART PROJECTS

Explore & Share the Lesson Plans that connect art and home.

Read about the author’s experience with the art projects on the Nerdy Book Club.

THE GIVEAWAY WINNERS