Il-Ġnien Sigriet
Author: Frances Hodgson Burnett
Italian adaptation by Carlo Scataglini
Maltese translation by Clare Azzopardi
Illustrations by Massimo Alfaioli
Behind a locked door, on the other side of a high wall, lies an abandoned garden waiting to come back to life. Yet, as anyone who has ever read the classic story The Secret Garden knows, the greatest transformation does not happen in the garden itself, but in the hearts of the children who discover it.
Merlin Publishers present Il-Ġnien Sigriet, the Maltese adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's beloved classic. This book forms part of the Easy Classics series, developed by the Italian publisher Erickson together with author Carlo Scataglini. Following the publication of Alice fl-Art tal-Għeġubijiet, this second title in the series reaffirms Merlin Publishers' long-standing commitment - dating back more than fifty years to their Maltese adaptations of Ladybird books - to placing literary classics in the hands of Maltese children.
The story of Il-Ġnien Sigriet tells the story of Mary Lennox, a lonely and spoiled young girl who, after a family tragedy, is sent to live in England with her uncle in a large, mysterious house. There, she begins to hear stories about a secret garden that has been locked and forgotten for many years. Driven by curiosity and determination, Mary sets out to find this mysterious garden and gain access to it. Eventually she succeeds, and shares her secret adventure with Dickon, a boy with a special bond with nature, and Colin, a sickly and bitter child hidden away within the house.
Together, the three children enter the secret garden, and as they gradually care for the plants, they also begin to care for themselves. The garden flourishes once more, and at the same time the young protagonists blossom too. What begins as an adventure becomes a journey of healing, friendship and hope.
This title follows Alice fl-Art tal-Għeġubijiet as part of the Easy Classics series, a project aimed at bringing literary classics within easier reach of young readers, including those who may find reading challenging. The text has been carefully simplified while preserving the spirit and emotional depth of the original story.
The book also includes several features specifically designed to support independent reading. The vocabulary is accessible, and where slightly more difficult words or phrases appear, they are highlighted and explained. The typography and page layout have likewise been designed to facilitate reading. Chapters include visual introductions, summaries and hints about what comes next, helping children follow the story with greater confidence. Massimo Alfaioli's charming illustrations add another dimension to the narrative, bringing both the characters and the magical garden vividly to life.
Translator Clare Azzopardi describes The Secret Garden as one of the classics that shaped her childhood reading. She notes that, for her, the story carries a sense of discovery similar to books such as Narnia and Alice in Wonderland: hidden doors, mysterious corridors and secret places waiting to be uncovered. Although the story does not present fantastical worlds, the secret garden itself becomes a magical space where a quiet and profound transformation unfolds. For this reason, Azzopardi believes this is a book every child should read at least once in their lifetime.
Beyond the adventure, Il-Ġnien Sigriet explores themes that resonate strongly with young readers, like courage, friendship, emotions and the healing power of nature. Through Mary, Colin and Dickon, children encounter characters who learn to overcome loneliness and fear, and discover joy and self-confidence.
Suitable for children aged seven and above, Il-Ġnien Sigriet offers multiple levels of reading and reflection, making it ideal both for independent reading and for children and adults reading together.
For all children ready to step through the door, Il-Ġnien Sigriet is available from bookshops across Malta and Gozo, or directly online at www.merlinpublishers.com.