• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Bookshelf
    • Audio
    • Complete List of Chautona’s Books
    • The Rockland Chronicles
      • The Vintage Wren
      • The Aggie Series
      • The Hartfield Mysteries
      • Sight Unseen Series
        • Sight Unseen Series Archives
      • The Agency Files
      • Christmas Fiction
    • Legacy of the Vines
    • Meddlin’ Madeline
      • Madeline Blog Archive
    • Ballads from the Hearth
      • Ballads from the Hearth Blog Archive
    • Legends of the Vengeance
    • Journey of Dreams
    • Wynnewood
    • Webster’s Bakery
    • The Not-So-Fairy Tales
    • Heart of Warwickshire
  • Start HERE
    • If You Like…
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • Speaking
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Lizards in Holland? WHAT?

by Chautona Havig · 13 Comments

I don’t know about you, but as a desert dweller, when I hear “lizard garden” and Amsterdam in the same sentence, it seems a little… incongruous.  So, when author Anne E. Phillips (who happens to be a dear friend of mine) wrote a children’s novel, The Lizard Garden,  that takes place in The Netherlands and involves, among several things, this not-famous-enough-in-my-opinion Lizard Garden, well… I wanted to know more.

Lizard Garden by Anne Siglin

Anne’s book is told from the perspective of twelve-year-old Charlotte.  One of the best things about this book is Anne’s characters.  She writes with a crisp, clean authenticity that makes the story come alive in a fresh, inviting way.  You immediately connect with Charlotte, Milo, and Alice and their family.

The Lizard GardenBut what I love most about this book is how, as an American, I am immersed in Dutch culture in a way I can relate to.  Rather than reading a guidebook to “living in Holland,” I’m living in Holland with another American family.  It’s a learning experience that doesn’t feel like a lesson.

Anne draws you into another world, sets you on an adventure, teaches you things you didn’t know about Dutch culture, art, and travel, and all in a way that makes you feel like you’re experiencing them rather than sitting in a classroom.

It’s hard to write this review–not because I have any criticism that I want to downplay, but rather the opposite.  I have so much I want to say about the book, but in doing so, I’ll spoil it.  And as we all know, River Song would never approve of “Spoilers!”

So, I’ll just say this. 

I loved it.  It is a well-written, engaging story that, while written for the youth market, is actually ageless.  Younger children will love to have the book read to them and adults will enjoy it because it is simply a good story.  I’m dying to read her next art-inspired youth novel–rumor has it that it takes place in Italy!

Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email

Related

Filed Under: Book Reviews, New Release

Previous Post: « Meet Ella & See What the Editor Says about Her
Next Post: Sarah Price’s “The Matchmaker”: New Release »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Andrea says

    February 16, 2015 at 2:37 pm

    I’ve never heard of it. The book sounds so interesting!

    Reply
  2. Eileen says

    February 16, 2015 at 5:08 am

    No, I’ve never heard of the Lizard Garden.

    Reply
  3. Julie Carns says

    February 13, 2015 at 10:18 pm

    I cannot wait to read this book the minute it arrives! Thank, Amazon, for Prime shipping!

    Reply
  4. bn100 says

    February 13, 2015 at 9:38 pm

    No, I haven’t

    Reply
  5. Terresa Mountain says

    February 13, 2015 at 8:27 pm

    Pinned the cover, liked the author on fb, posted the amazon link on my fb, and my comment is: Never heard of it, but from your description, sounds like a delightful read!

    Reply
  6. Julie says

    February 13, 2015 at 8:03 am

    Never heard of it – but I am intrigued! Thanks for sharing and holding a giveaway.

    Reply
  7. Jessica S says

    February 12, 2015 at 6:48 pm

    I have never heard of the Lizard Garden. I am intrigued by the story, and I will look forward to reading it!

    Reply
  8. Sunshine says

    February 12, 2015 at 4:38 pm

    Just heard about it through this site.

    Reply
  9. Tanya says

    February 12, 2015 at 4:26 pm

    No, but I’m going to check it out.

    Reply
  10. Jenn says

    February 12, 2015 at 4:22 pm

    I have only heard of it because of Anne. 🙂 The book is amazing, and I’d love to have a print copy!

    Reply
  11. Cari says

    February 12, 2015 at 3:53 pm

    No, I haven’t ever heard of the Lizard Garden and like you I wouldn’t naturally think Holland = lizards. You’ve got me intrigued.

    Reply
  12. Emma says

    February 12, 2015 at 1:49 pm

    No, I haven’t but it does sound intriguing from your review 🙂

    Reply
  13. Beth says

    February 12, 2015 at 12:23 pm

    I can’t wait to read the book. I am so excited for Anne to be at this point in the process.

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 216: A Chat with Jaime Jo Wright
byChautona Havig

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 216: A Chat with Jaime Jo Wright
Episode 216: A Chat with Jaime Jo Wright
March 28, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 215: A Chat with Henry O. Arnold
March 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 214: A Chat about After the Shadows with Amanda Cabot
March 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 213: A Chat about Daughter of Eden with Jill Eileen Smith
March 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 212: A Chat about Code Name Edelweiss with Stephanie Landsem
February 28, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 211: A Chat with Lynn H. Blackburn about Under Fire
February 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 210: A Chat with Jennifer Deibel about The Maid of Ballymacool
February 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 209: A Chat with Tracie Peterson about Remember Me
February 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 208: A Chat with Author, Hallie Lee
February 14, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 207: A Chat with Daniella Rushton about Portal Fantasy
February 10, 2023
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Check out the Sparrow Island novels. A tiny island with a lot of heart

independence islands series

Featured Books

A Ransomed Grete

A Ransomed Grete
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
A Ransomed Grete
Buy now!

Twice Sold Tales

Twice Sold Tales
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Twice Sold Tales
Buy now!

Under the Hibiscus

Under the Hibiscus
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Under the Hibiscus
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • What Is More Terrifying than an Author with a Sharp Tent Peg?
  • Why I Can’t Wait to Read the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing Series!
  • What Kinds of Lessons Can We Learn from the First People?

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Reposted from @tabithabouldin PREORDER NOW: https: Reposted from @tabithabouldin PREORDER NOW: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/512143
A curse.
A killer.
A chill in the air.
Temps are dropping and time is running…
These beauties just arrived. Eeep! #AmReading #c These beauties just arrived.  Eeep!
#AmReading 
#christiansuspense 
#ChristFic 
@lisaphillipsbks
This is what book sorting and cataloging and culli This is what book sorting and cataloging and culling looks like. The molding is still not finished,  a huge shelf sits empty, the above windows shelves are untouched (and therefore,  dusty)... but it's getting there...
#libraryprogress
#gottadoitbeforethekidcomeshome
#notquitebookstageam
Reading this right now. Just started last night, Reading this right now.  Just started last night, and I am already engrossed. 

Reposted from @lianaygeorge Get to know Perfectly Placed! Book 2 in the Hopeful Heart Series, it continues Nicki’s adventures in China and has her falling in love in ways she never imagined!

•
•
•

books book tropes convincing you to read perfectly placed hopeful hearts series contemporary christian fiction women's fiction ebook paperback
Stickers by Lorna will eventually be part of the n Stickers by Lorna will eventually be part of the next Bookstrings giveaway (this fall).

Reposted from @lornaroseboutique Link to these designs are in my bio!!!
#resbubbleartist 
#ilovestickers 
#artwork
How often does Biblical fiction go back in time... How often does Biblical fiction go back in time... before time? Not often in my experience, but Jill Eileen Smith's Daughter of Eden takes a bold step to imagine the creation of the angels... of even Michael the Archangel!  Listen in while we chat about Eden, Eve, her children, and the war between those banished from heaven and those who remained to protect those made in God's image.
@revellfiction
@Jilleileensmith
#BecauseFiction
#ChristFic
#BiblicalFiction
#DaughterofEden
#BookishPodcasts
Neville LongBarkem got a trim the other day, and h Neville LongBarkem got a trim the other day, and he's still worn out. Plus, he misses @lornarose9 si we thought we'd say hi.
#NevilleLongBarkem 
#TheShediffice
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!