About the Book
The second book in the Tales with Strong Roots series.
Meet Ostap, a city boy who is quite sure about one thing: vegetables are “food for rabbits.” But a summer with Grandma is about to change the way he sees them.
The Secret of Grandma's Garden
In Grandma’s garden, Ostap discovers where food comes from, how much care and work goes into growing it, and why a garden can be much more than just a place full of vegetables.The Secret of Grandma’s Garden is a warm and playful story about curiosity, family, nature, food, and the kind of wisdom that is passed from one generation to another through the simple things we do together.
What Children Will Discover
✓ Where food comes from
✓ How plants grow
✓ Why patience and care matter
✓ Respect and curiosity for nature
✓ The value of growing and preparing food
✓ Family traditions and intergenerational wisdom
Available in English & Ukrainian
Paperback · Hardcover
Expected to ship October 2026
Perfect for:
We are inviting businesses, organizations, and community groups to become Community Sponsors of The Secret of Grandma’s Garden.
Sponsors support the first print run and receive copies of the book to share with families, schools, libraries, community programs, employees, clients, or through their own events.
Community Partners can also be recognized on the Maple Deer website, social media, and — depending on the sponsorship level — inside the printed book.
BECOME A COMMUNITY SPONSOR
Why This Story Matters
Children often see food on a plate or on a supermarket shelf without thinking about everything that came before it.
The Secret of Grandma’s Garden invites young readers to become curious about where food comes from, to appreciate the care and work behind what we eat, and to discover the joy of growing, cooking, and learning together.
But the story is about more than food.
At its heart, it is about the special connection between generations — and the knowledge, traditions, stories, and everyday moments that grandparents pass on to children.
Rooted in Ukrainian family traditions, the story celebrates something universal: the memories we create when we slow down and do simple things together.
MORE THAN A STORY
Every Tales with Strong Roots book continues beyond the story with a special Maple Magic page combining simple science and hands-on discovery.
Children can explore:
✓ How plants grow
✓ What plants need to thrive
✓ Simple activities to try at home
✓ Ways to observe and explore the natural world
GRANDMA’S FAMILY BORSCHT RECIPE 🥣
The discovery continues in the kitchen.
The book also includes Grandma’s family borscht recipe — an invitation for children, parents, and grandparents to cook together and turn the story into a family experience.
OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Previous Book - The Tale of Strong Roots
Current Book - The Secret of Grandma's Garden
One series. Different children. Different discoveries. Strong roots connecting them all.
THE GARDEN IS ALMOST READY!
The Secret of Grandma’s Garden is almost ready for its first print run.
Pre-order your copy today and be among the first families to discover Ostap’s summer in Grandma’s garden.
PRE-ORDER NOW HERE
Available in English & Ukrainian
Paperback — $15.99 CAD
Hardcover — $24.99 CAD
Expected to ship October 2026
Gentle picture book about family, memory, and the home we carry within. Written by Valentyna Miliohlova and beautifully illustrated by Rebeckah Gerstner, this story celebrates love, traditions, and the invisible roots that connect us across generations.
The book (Hardcover, Paperback and Gift Set) can be ordered with local delivery, shipping and pick-up options at the Shop on our website. Alternatively, paperback and bilingual options available on Amazon!
ORDER THE BOOK LOCAL
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