Bestselling and beloved characters Toot and Puddle return twenty-five years after their debut with a brand-new story full of the same charm and whimsy that originally made they so popular. Toot & Puddle, with help from cousin Opal, are planting the dream garden they've always wanted. But when the plants arrive, so does trouble. Someone or something keeps eating all of the spinach! Not wanting to share with the thief, they try everything from putting up signs to fencing the garden in, all to keep out the unwanted visitor. When the trio finally does find out who's eating all the vegetables, they decide that maybe sharing is the best way to go after all. Holly Hobbie renders these beloved characters in exquisite watercolor, and has us rooting for them to the end.

"The garden is full of things to touch and see -- pop-up seedlings turn to flowers, pull-tab vegetables sprout, and busy bees buzz 'round and 'round"--Cover.

This is a fascinating story of what appears to be a normal situation but insidiously proves to be somewhat different and much darker. It is this darkness that Lyn Jolley so expertly and cleverly explores. Lyn Jolley is also the author of Old Bones and Maimed, published by First Century.

An earthworm, an ant and a caterpillar watch Gaily and her brother create a garden.

"Based on the television show Toot & Puddle; characters based on the original series created by Holly Hobbie"--T.p. verso.