Planting Seeds of Joy: Why Nelson’s Garden is the Children’s Book You Didn’t Know You Needed

In a world where children’s stories often lean on fast-paced action, fantastical creatures, or digital dazzle to capture young imaginations, Nelson’s Garden by Candy O’Terry and Colleen Esposito stands out like a perfectly tended flower bed—simple, timeless, and bursting with life. Published in September 2023 by Briley & Baxter Publications, this heartwarming tale of friendship, nature, and community has quietly taken root in the hearts of readers young and old. Co-authored by a mother-daughter duo and brought to vivid life by illustrator Olivia Bosson, Nelson’s Garden is more than a book—it’s a gentle reminder of the beauty that blooms when generations connect and dreams take root.

A Story That Grows on You

At its core, Nelson’s Garden is a tale of two sisters, Belle and Rosie, who find themselves enchanted by their elderly neighbor Nelson McNutt’s sprawling garden. What begins as a summer wish—to learn the secrets of growing flowers and vegetables—blossoms into a meaningful friendship that bridges the gap between youth and age. Inspired by a real-life Nelson McNutt, a Weston, Massachusetts man who lived to 105 and once tipped his hat to passersby, the story blends fact and fiction into a narrative that feels both nostalgic and fresh. As the girls tend the soil alongside Nelson, they uncover lessons that go far beyond gardening: patience, care, and the magic of human connection.

Candy O’Terry, a beloved Boston radio personality with nearly 35 years on air, and her daughter Colleen Esposito, a former PR professional turned stay-at-home mom, infuse the book with a warmth that’s palpable from the first page. Their collaboration—born from a casual stroll with Colleen’s daughter Belle in a stroller—feels like a labor of love, a shared dream nurtured over years. “Do you remember Nelson McNutt?” Candy asked Colleen one summer day, sparking the idea that would become this gem of a children’s book. That personal touch shines through, making Nelson’s Garden feel like a story whispered from one generation to the next.

Illustrations That Bloom Off the Page

No praise for Nelson’s Garden would be complete without a nod to Olivia Bosson’s whimsical illustrations. A Connecticut native with a BFA in illustration from the University of Hartford, Bosson brings Nelson’s world to life with vibrant colors and tender details. Every flower petal, every crinkle in Nelson’s weathered face, every glint in Belle and Rosie’s curious eyes leaps off the page, inviting readers to step into the garden themselves. Reviewers have called her work “gorgeous” and “beautifully done,” and it’s easy to see why. Her art doesn’t just complement the story—it amplifies it, turning each turn of the page into a visual delight.

One reader on Goodreads captured it perfectly: “If you close your eyes and imagine what Belle and Rosie and Nelson and the garden look like… it’s captured perfectly by Olivia Bosson’s illustrations.” That synergy between text and imagery is a hallmark of the book’s charm, making it an ideal bedtime story that lingers in the mind like a sweet dream.

A Lesson in Connection

What elevates Nelson’s Garden beyond a simple gardening tale is its quiet celebration of intergenerational bonds. In an era where technology often isolates us, the story of Belle, Rosie, and Nelson feels like a soothing balm. Nelson isn’t just a neighbor—he’s a mentor, a keeper of wisdom who shares his love of the earth with two eager learners. Through their time together, the girls discover that gardens aren’t just about plants; they’re about growth in all its forms—personal, communal, and emotional.

This theme resonates deeply with readers. “I loved everything about this book—the characters, the message, and the gorgeous illustrations!” one reviewer enthused. “There’s more than flowers and vegetables growing—there’s a budding connection between generations, a sharing of experience, and an emphasis on the importance of community.” Another called it “an absolutely charming book that shows children the beauty and value of connection across generations—a value that seems all but lost these days.” In a world that often moves too fast, Nelson’s Garden slows us down, reminding us to cherish the people and places right in front of us.

A Real-Life Root

The book’s grounding in reality adds an extra layer of magic. Nelson McNutt was no fictional creation—he was a real man whose garden once graced Weston, Massachusetts, and whose gentle presence left an impression on Candy and Colleen. Living just a mile from where Nelson tended his blooms in their lovingly restored 1927 colonial home, the authors weave a “partially true, mostly made-up” story that feels authentic because it’s rooted in memory. That blend of truth and imagination gives Nelson’s Garden a rare sincerity, a quality that shines through in its prose and its purpose.

Candy, a Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame inductee and host of The Story Behind Her Success podcast, brings her storytelling prowess to the page, while Colleen, creator of TheBelleCurveBlog.com, adds a modern mother’s perspective. Together, they craft a narrative that’s ageless—perfect for a child drifting off to sleep or an adult seeking a moment of peace. “It’s all feel-good,” a Goodreads reviewer noted. “Just a pleasant look at what might have happened to young girls on the way home from summer day camp in the 1950s… or this past summer.”

A Blooming Legacy

Since its release, Nelson’s Garden has garnered praise far and wide, earning a spot as a finalist in the 2023 Readers’ Choice Book Awards. Parents laud its “wonderful message for all children,” while educators—whom Candy and Colleen visit through author events—embrace its potential to inspire young minds. The duo’s new website highlights their love for bringing the story into classrooms, complete with sing-alongs and garden-themed activities, ensuring Nelson’s legacy grows beyond the page.

And there’s more to come. As the first in a planned series, Nelson’s Garden promises future adventures with Belle, Rosie, and their green-thumbed guide. “I’m looking forward to the next book!” one reader exclaimed, echoing the sentiment of many who’ve fallen under its spell. Even Candy’s voice graces the book’s theme song, a testament to her multifaceted talents as a singer and storyteller.

Why You’ll Fall in Love

On this early morning of March 12, 2025, as the world awakens to another day, Nelson’s Garden stands as a quiet triumph—a book that doesn’t shout for attention but earns it through its sincerity and grace. It’s a story that plants seeds of joy, curiosity, and connection, whether you’re a child marveling at its pictures or an adult rediscovering the child within. “This sweet story and whimsical illustrations will delight any child and the child within each of us,” a reviewer wrote, and it’s hard to disagree.

So, grab a copy, settle in with someone you love, and let Nelson’s Garden take you to a place where flowers bloom, wishes come true, and friendship grows in the most unexpected corners. Candy O’Terry and Colleen Esposito have given us a gift—one that’s as enduring as the earth itself. Don’t miss it.