Author(s): Edward Gorey

Children's books

The gorgeous flowers have a smell That causes one to feel unwell.  A happy, naïve family enters the Evil Garden (free admission), to spend a sunny afternoon in its inviting landscape, lush with exotic trees and flowers. They soon realise their mistake, as harrowing sounds and evidence of foul play emerge. When humongous hairy bugs, famished carnivorous plants, ferocious fruitguarding bears and a sinister strangling snake appear, the family’s misgivings turn to panic – but where’s the exit? Edward Gorey leads us through this nefarious garden with a light step. His unmistakable drawings paired with engaging couplets produce giggles, not gasps. Perhaps The Evil Garden is a morality tale; perhaps it’s simply an enigmatic entertainment. Whatever the interpretation, it’s a prime example of the iconic storytelling genius that is Edward Gorey.