Review: Wonder in the Garden by Talia Aikens-Nunez
There's something special about discovering an author whose work spans different ages while holding onto a strong sense of purpose. I first encountered Talia Aikens-Nunez through her powerful middle-grade book, Men of the 65th: The Borinqueneers of the Korean War, which highlights an often-overlooked piece of history. With Wonder in the Garden, she turns her focus to younger readers, creating a joyful bilingual picture book that celebrates family, language, and the everyday magic found just outside our doors.
This bilingual picture book is especially well-suited for early readers and families looking to introduce Spanish in a natural, engaging way.
A gentle, joyful reminder that some of the best learning moments happen through play, language, and time spent together.
With that in mind, here's a closer look at Wonder in the Garden.
Wonder in the Garden
By Talia Aikens-Nunez
Published by Penguin Random House on March 2026
Genres: Children's Picture Book
Formats: eBook, Hardcover
Pages: 33
Nina loves spending time in her family’s garden, and so does her dog, Nube. They delight in all the wonders found growing there and all the spectacular colors—roja, naranja, verde, amarillo, morado. But mostly they just love to play, as it’s the perfect place for a game of hide-and-seek with its tall corn and enormous leafy veggies. It’s also a place to have the best al fresco meals with Nina’s loving extended family.
Exuberant text sprinkled with Spanish and vivid, energetic art that captures the garden in all its glory make this the perfect book for celebrating the bounty of our gardens and the joy of spending a day there, learning, laughing, and lending a helping hand!
| Genre: | Children's Picture Book / Bilingual |
| Setting: | Family garden |
| Length: | 32 pages (picture book) |
| Content Rating: | Early childhood (ages 3-7) |
| My Rating: | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Quick Take: | A vibrant, bilingual celebration of family, play, and the simple joys found in a garden. |
- Introduces Spanish vocabulary naturally within the text
- Focuses on family connection, outdoor play, and cultural representation
- No conflict or frightening elements
My Thoughts on Wonder in the Garden
Wonder in the Garden captures something that feels increasingly important in children's books today-the quiet magic of everyday experiences. There's no rush to move the story along, no heavy lesson being pushed to the surface. Instead, it invites young readers to slow down, explore, and simply enjoy the world around them.
The garden setting is especially effective here. It becomes more than just a backdrop-it's a place of discovery, imagination, and connection. Whether Nina is playing hide-and-seek among the tall corn or sharing a meal with her family, each moment feels grounded and genuine. It mirrors the kind of simple, meaningful experiences that often become childhood memories.
The bilingual element is woven in with a light touch, introducing Spanish words in a way that feels natural rather than instructional. This makes the story accessible for young readers while also offering a gentle opportunity for language exposure. It's the kind of book that works just as well for reading together as it does for sparking small conversations along the way.
There's also a warmth in the family dynamic that quietly anchors the story. The sense of togetherness-working, playing, and sharing meals outdoors-adds depth without ever feeling heavy-handed. It reflects a lived-in, authentic experience that many readers will recognize, while also offering a window into a culturally rich environment.
Paired with bright, inviting illustrations, the overall effect is one of joy and ease. This is a book that invites children-and the adults reading with them-to pause, notice, and find joy in the small moments that often matter most.
Reader Resources
Meet Talia Aikens-Nunez
About Talia Aikens-Nunez
Talia was born in the great City of New York. She went to Wellesley College for undergrad and New York University for grad school. Through her early years, she wanted to be a meteorologist, a politician and a lawyer. She never thought she would be an author. It was the birth of her daughter that caused her to start writing. Raising bi-cultural children inspired Talia to write multicultural children’s books.
One day several years ago, her son challenged her statement that "brown boys can be superheroes too." She was mortified and crushed that her son could not see himself in fantasy stories like superhero movies. Then she took him to see Black Panther. He never challenged that assertion again and he wore the Black Panther costume for weeks. As she washed the atrocious smelling costume (and the one of Miles Morales several months later), she rejoiced! She was elated that her son felt seen. Those movies provided a mirror for him of his identity. Months later, she was told the story of the Borinqueneers. When she could not find any books for her kids to read about them she knew that she had to write. So, that journey began.
Talia has authored several children’s books over the last fifteen years such as Small Nap, Little Dream, Escucha Means Listen, and a series of chapter books called OMG. She lives in Connecticut with her two kids and her husband.
Explore more from the author:
Website | Amazon | Goodreads
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Where to Buy Wonder in the Garden
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Final Thoughts
In a world that often feels busy and fast-paced, Wonder in the Garden offers a gentle pause. It's a reminder that joy can be found in the simplest moments-playing outside, sharing time with family, and discovering something new right in your own backyard. This is a lovely choice for young readers and the adults reading alongside them, especially for those who appreciate stories that celebrate connection, culture, and the quiet magic of everyday life.
Tour dates: March 30 - April 20, 2026. To see the full schedule of stops, visit the
Goddess Fish Promotions - Wonder in the Garden Tour Page.
Giveaway
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Thank you so much for featuring and reviewing WONDER IN THE GARDEN today.