A new work by Max Ducos, winner of the 2008 French Children's and Young Adult Literature Award! Max Ducos, the French author beloved by many readers for the sophisticated and evocative illustrations reminiscent of famous artworks in The Secret House of Volubilis and In Search of the Lost Angel, has poured all the beauty of the gardens he saw and felt while traveling through England, France, Spain, Italy, and other parts of Europe into The Secret Garden. Join Paolo and Flora as they unravel the mysterious secret hidden within Count Mirandol's castle and immerse yourself in the grandeur and beauty of European gardens. The Castle of Count Mirandol and the Story It Holds According to legend, Count Mirandol fell in love with Marguerite de la Rivière, whom he met during a procession. Hoping that she would love him in return, he decided to build a magnificent garden. He created a beautiful garden for the woman he loved and hid a gift for her somewhere within it. But their love was never fulfilled, and the grief-stricken Count eventually passed away. The story of the gift he hid has been passed down among the people as 'the secret of Mirandol Tower.' Recently, an old secret document was discovered in the castle's grain storehouse, giving people renewed confidence that the Count's gift truly exists. In search of it, people begin digging around the tower... What could the gift possibly be? The most beautiful treasure hidden in the secret garden is about to be revealed! Curious, imaginative Flora meets Paolo, who is confident he knows everything about the castle! The two get off to a rocky start, but armed with a crucial clue, they set off together to solve the mystery of Mirandol Tower. Following the direction indicated by a beautiful statue, Paolo and Flora set out on a treasure hunt. Will they be able to find the Count's treasure? The Secret Garden is a picture book whose captivating, charming story is just as remarkable as its beautiful illustrations. The 'secret of Mirandol Tower' passed down through the castle is a puzzle that readers themselves are invited to solve alongside the characters. Look for hints in the direction of the statue's gaze and in the mosaic images to find the secret spot where the treasure is hidden. As you follow Paolo and Flora in search of clues scattered throughout the garden, you'll feel like a true explorer yourself. A Picture Book Capturing the Full Beauty of European Gardens The grand and dazzling charm of European gardens is quite different from the simple, tidy elegance of our own gardens, and their sheer scale and splendor can feel overwhelming. The Secret Garden faithfully captures the essence of European gardens: a maze forest so imposing it feels as though one could never escape once trapped inside, a magnificent rose garden fit for a queen, and the awe-inspiring Apennine statue of towering scale. Count Mirandol's garden shows off its splendor through the exquisite harmony of beautiful fountains, various statues, and flowers and trees. You'll find yourself drawn into the delicate yet gorgeous illustrations, as if you were truly standing in the garden. Every corner bears the touch of human hands, giving it a more manicured, artificial feel compared to Eastern gardens — yet this very quality makes Count Mirandol's tender devotion to Marguerite feel all the more poignant. Explore every corner of Count Mirandol's garden with Paolo and Flora, and fully savor the beauty of European gardens.