Wimbledon author debuts children’s book encouraging kids to enjoy gardening

A Wimbledon author is hoping to encourage kids to try gardening with her debut children’s book about a green-fingered guinea pig.

Caroline Pankhurst’s book The Guinea Pig Gardeners tells the story of the adventures of Humphrey, a celery-chomping hero, with illustrations by Maude Smith.

The book aims to encourage five to eight-year-olds to enjoy growing plants and looking after the environment.

Ms Pankhurst said: “I wanted to convey that gardening is good for all sorts of children, whatever their background.

It can bring children together. Children who may be shy and quiet will help each other in a garden and forget what it’s like being in a classroom.”