Written + illustrated by Jayden Burge
The Garden Inside Me
The Garden Inside Me is a 40-page rhyming picture book for ages 3 and up, written and illustrated by Jayden Burge. Kinzlynn fills her basket with magical flowers, and each one teaches her about a strength she already has: confidence, kindness, creativity, calmness, friendship, joy and grace.
- Ages 3 & up
- 40 pages
- 8.5 × 8.5 in
- ISBN 979-8182177375
Join Kinzlynn as she walks through the forest and fills her basket with flowers. Each flower has its own special power, and each one shows her something that was inside her all along.
Because the most beautiful garden is the one growing inside you!
The seven flowers
Seven strengths grow in Kinzlynn's garden. Use these questions after a read-aloud to help your reader find each one in themselves.
Confidence
What is something you were brave enough to try this week?
Kindness
Who did you help today, and how did it feel?
Creativity
If you could invent a brand-new flower, what would it do?
Calmness
What helps your body feel quiet when things get loud?
Friendship
What makes someone a good friend to you?
Joy
What made you laugh the hardest lately?
Grace
When did you forgive someone, or yourself, for a mistake?
- Builds confidence and self-esteem
- Teaches kindness, friendship and emotional growth
- Starts real conversations between kids and grown-ups
- Rhymes that are easy to read aloud
The TGIM activity sheet
A free printable to pair with a read-aloud. Jayden also visits schools in person.
WTRF, Wheeling
Covered the debut and the signing at Dupe's Scoops in the Fulton neighborhood.
Read the storyBook merch
Sweatshirts, tees, a tote, a mug, a 30-piece puzzle and more.
Written for Kinzlynn
Jayden Burge wrote and illustrated The Garden Inside Me for a little sister, Kinzlynn, who is the girl in the story. Years of teaching and mentoring young dancers shaped the book's message: every child already carries confidence, kindness and joy inside them.
The book was published on June 25, 2026, in paperback and Kindle editions.
Frequently asked questions
What age is The Garden Inside Me for?
It is written for children ages 3 and up. The rhyming text makes it an easy read-aloud for preschool, kindergarten and early elementary readers.
What lessons does The Garden Inside Me teach?
Each flower in the story stands for a strength children already have: confidence, kindness, creativity, calmness, friendship, joy and grace. It is a gentle way to start conversations about self-esteem and social-emotional growth.
Who wrote and illustrated The Garden Inside Me?
Jayden Burge wrote and illustrated the book. Jayden is a graphic design student at Flagler College and a dance coach, and wrote the story for a little sister, Kinzlynn, who is the girl in the book.
Where can I buy The Garden Inside Me?
The paperback and Kindle editions are sold on Amazon. Book merch such as sweatshirts, tees, totes and a puzzle is sold in the Jayden Burge Etsy shop.
Is there an audiobook?
An audiobook is in the works. New formats and titles will be added to the bookshelf on this site.
Is there a free classroom activity?
Yes. The TGIM activity sheet is a free printable that pairs with a read-aloud, and the activity page on this site lists a discussion question for each of the seven flowers.