The Brave Gardener
by Winn Rietema

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Jamie is a kind-hearted and imaginative child who feels overwhelmed when he is told “no” by his dad. As Jamie turns inward to explore his big emotions, he discovers a magical inner garden—one that needs care, patience, and understanding. With gentle curiosity, Jamie learns that he can become his own gardener: a calm, compassionate presence who listens to and tends every feeling with kindness. Through this journey, Jamie realizes that he is the steady, caring Self who can guide all parts of his inner world with empathy and respect. "The Brave Gardener" invites children to explore their emotions with curiosity and courage, reinforcing the powerful message that there are no “bad” feelings—only feelings that are trying to help. Every emotion has a purpose, and when children learn to listen to themselves with kindness, they grow stronger, more balanced, and more confident. Designed to support children as they navigate family relationships, school stress, peer challenges, and feelings of being unheard, this story helps normalize emotional experiences while reducing shame. By gently encouraging children to externalize, understand, and care for their emotions rather than suppress them, *The Brave Gardener" fosters self-compassion, emotional awareness, and lifelong resilience.

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“This beautifully written and illustrated book empowers children to discover the role they play as the gardener of their own inner world.” —Carmen Richardson MSW, RCSW, RCAT, REAT, Certified IFS Therapist and founder of Prairie Institute of Expressive Arts Therapy “I’m grateful for this book! For children and adults alike, this book offers real hope. It is a resource for families, educators, and therapists.” —Becky Sarafinchan

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Winn Rietema is a registered psychotherapist, author, and owner of Karameon Counselling Services in Lacombe, Alberta. She is the author of The Brave Gardener, a therapeutic resource created to support clinicians in helping children access emotional expression, regulation, and resilience through metaphor and play. Winn holds a Master of Counselling Psychology and a Master of Religion and is a Credentialed Sand-tray Therapist. Her clinical work is deeply informed by expressive arts, play-based approaches, and attachment-focused practice, with a particular passion for translating complex therapeutic concepts into accessible, creative tools for the therapy room. Winn is committed to equipping fellow therapists with practical, imaginative resources that enhance engagement, deepen therapeutic work, and support meaningful change. Learn more at www.karameon.com. Danielle Boschman and Yvonne Clarke are the illustrator's of The Brave Gardener, bringing the story to life with her enchanting and imaginative artwork. Danielle lives in Edmonton, with her husband Ben and their three lively children, who inspire her playful and heartfelt illustrations. With a knack for capturing wonder in the everyday, Danielle's art invites readers of all ages to slow down and see the magic hidden in the details. Yvonne lives in the artsy town of Salmon Arm, BC with her husband Adam and their energetic, sports-loving son Finley, Yvonne brings both precision and imagination to every project she touches. With an eye for flow and a heart for story, she turns ideas into polished pieces that feel as effortless as a walk through a garden in full bloom.

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Contributors

Author

Winn Rietema

Illustrator

Danielle Boschman

Illustrator

Yvonne Clarke