Q1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
A1. My name is Polly Richards. I’m a retired professional, avid gardener, and now a children’s book author. Gardening has always been a deep passion of mine, inspired by my early years in my great aunt’s English-style garden in Chicago. Through my writing, I aim to connect children with the joys of nature, teach them about the importance of stewardship, and encourage healthier, more sustainable living.
Q2. What is the inspiration behind your book “Adele and the Whispering Garden”?
A2. The inspiration came from my love of gardening and the lessons it has taught me about patience, nurturing, and interconnectedness. I wanted to create a magical story that would inspire children to connect with nature and see the beauty and life within a garden. My fond memories of neighbors like John and Vicki Denning, who were incredible gardeners, also shaped the narrative.
Q3. When did you realize you want to be an author?
A3. I’ve wanted to write a book since high school, but the idea for ‘Adele and the Whispering Garden’ came to me when I decided to finally pursue writing seriously. It was a moment when I realized I had a story to share that combined my passions for gardening, storytelling, and inspiring children.
Q4. Please tell us something about your book “Adele and the Whispering Garden”
A4. “Adele and the Whispering Garden” is a magical story about a young girl who moves into a new home and discovers a neglected garden on the property. What drives her to care for the garden is Albert, a stone gnome who magically comes to life. As Adele tends to the garden, she realizes the plants can talk—and they have important lessons to share about gardening, caring for the earth, and even herself. The story is brought to life through beautiful illustrations that transition from black and white to vibrant color, symbolizing Adele’s journey of growth and connection.
Q5. For which age group is your book “Adele and the Whispering Garden” suitable for?
A5. It’s perfect for children ages 6–13, though I’ve found that parents and teachers also enjoy the story’s message about gardening and sustainability.
Q6. What is your favorite quote?
A6. “Though the problems of the world are increasingly complex, the solutions remain embarrassingly simple.” — Bill Mollison. It reflects my belief in the simplicity and power of nature to heal and sustain us.
Q7. What do you like the most about your country?
A7. I love the freedom. It’s like no other country in the world and is the very reason my family immigrated here from Ireland. The opportunities and liberties we enjoy are truly unique, and I feel deeply grateful for them.
Q8. What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
A8. Make reading a shared experience. Read with your children, discuss the stories, and connect them to their lives. For example, after reading “Adele and the Whispering Garden”, you could start a small garden together. It’s a great way to bond and nurture a love of both reading and the natural world.
Q9. What does literary success look like to you?
A9. Literary success to me is seeing children and adults connect with my book. When they notice that the black-and-white illustrations transform into vibrant color as the magic grows and the garden flourishes under loving care, I think, “Yes! They got it!” Seeing classrooms use my book as part of their curriculum—where it’s a reading group choice, science lessons teach botany, and art classes design gardens—would be a dream come true. Success, to me, means sparking change and inspiring both children and adults to embrace the messages in the book, even if that change is gradual.
Q10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
A10. My late niece, Katelyn Kelly, or “Kiki,” is my greatest inspiration. She passed away unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm, leaving my family devastated. However, what I have learned about her since her passing has deeply inspired me—her acceptance of others, her nonjudgmental nature, her willingness to listen, and her zest for life. She had this incredible ability to impact people in profoundly positive ways. Her parents, Sue and David, and her sister, Marisa, are also sources of inspiration. Despite their immense loss, they face each day with courage and continue to share Kiki’s love and passion with the world. They embody resilience and love, and I strive to carry forward Kiki’s vibrant spirit in my work and life.
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