This summer, twelve-year-old Caspia Turkel is spending eleven weeks in Brooklyn with her parents. A far cry from the rural Maine town in which Caspia has lived all her life, Brooklyn is intimidating with all its people, noises, and sights. On the first day in their temporary home, Caspia discovers a stack of letters from 1958, and each one holds a clue about a specific plant or flower. As Caspia works to solve the riddles from the letters, she is taken on adventures around her new city, exploring all the beauty and richness it has to offer and meeting friends along the way. This charming middle grade story is accessible both in its storytelling style and in the strategic use of imagery throughout the narrative. The plot is guided by the letters Caspia has uncovered, which serve as guideposts and stand out from the rest of the text, appearing as illustrations of letters amidst the traditional chapter designs. Additional images are interspersed within the novel, as well, offering readers a way to visualize Caspia’s experiences while also providing a visual respite from the text. Though the plot of Caspia’s faunal research is the primary focus of the novel, readers will appreciate the transformation Caspia undergoes in the process, becoming increasingly more confident in a place where she initially feels incongruous. Filled with engaging writing, memorable characters, and an interactive premise, this is a delightful addition to library collections for newly independent middle grade readers.

It was a short easy read. Based off the cover and title you expect one kind of book but get delivered something else, all city, reality and pavement not a magical lush green jungle type gardening world. I probably wasn't the target audience here as its really not my cup of tea but for the right reader I'm sure it'd be a hit.

Caspia lives in Maine and is not prepared to spend her summer Brooklyn, of all places. When she finds a bundle of letters with a riddle inside each, her entire outlook changes. As she solves the plant-based riddles, she makes a lot of interesting friends.
I loved the riddles and learning more about the history and mythology of the plants. Caspia and her family were kind characters and I wished I could make friends as easily as she did. I also wished there was a second book with some of the other riddles that were alluded to.

Thank you to NetGalley and DK Children for this DRC.
#TheGreenKingdom #NetGalley

Away from home for the whole summer was not Caspia’s idea of a fun time. And to Brooklyn of all places! But after finding a bundle of letters and given the freedom to explore, Caspia finds that things in Brooklyn can be an adventure. An adventure that leads to newfound friendships, closeness with her family and a love for plants that make up the Green Kingdom!

I toroughly connected with Caspia and her shyness in a new place and the uncertainty of it all. I loved the letters and the adventure of discovery! I hope you enjoy this book, too!

This is such a cozy coming of age adventure, perfect for a summer read. The colorful cast of characters is delightful and the riddles within had me guessing as the reader and wanting to start my own little “Green Kingdom”. The story of friendships and connections is one that is not soon forgotten and surely revisited.

This was so sweet!! I was expecting fantasy, which is my fault because the description doesn't mention that, but it was a very heartwarming story and I feel like could really spark some new interests in kids/tweens.

So cute!

I loved this book— from the darling illustrations to the curiosity-inducing botanical riddles, topped off with multigenerational timelines weaving to create a story that is sure to inspire readers to ponder and explore. By sleuthing out riddles within a series of found letters, 12 year old Caspia spends her summer in a new place, filled with new friends, exciting culinary creations, and a glimpse into the past. A wonderfully engaging story for readers who enjoy tales about witty and curious children like themselves— appropriate for most older elementary readers and up.

I love anything Cornelia Funke writes and this was just as enchanting as Inkheart to me! I adored this book so much and judging by the kinda odd last sentence I'm guessing there will be a book 2. It ended and I felt like I was missing pages so I really hope book 2 is on the way. This will make you want to plant a garden and nurture your little plants. This would be the perfect book for spring and create a garden with your young readers/listeners.

I’m a bit torn on this one.

On one hand, it’s such a lovely story with a diverse group of fun characters. Caspia spends a summer in Brooklyn solving plant-themed riddles while meeting new friends and discovering adorable shops along the way. It’s filled with plants, books, flower shops and spices - what could be better!

On the other, the writing and execution leaves a bit to be desired. It’s obviously geared towards middle grade/teens, but reads like it was written by a middle-aged or older person. Phrases like “heavens, she really did like him” and “gosh what was she saying” are at odds with the characters age (Caspia is 12, almost 13).

Another reviewer made the comment that this is one of those books that adults will like and want to read to their kids. But that kids themselves won’t love it or be drawn to it. I (unfortunately) agree.
I hope I’m wrong because it really is a lovely idea for a story.

A cozy children's novel about a young girl who spends the summer in Brooklyn learning about plants after she discovers old letters in her AirBnB. The story is slow and feels weirdly dated, despite being written recently and set in 2025. The pacing and minimal plot reminded me a bit of the various Little House on the Prairie books. Not for me, personally.

Caspia leads a charming life in her small hometown, surrounded by her two best friends, mom, dad, and grandmother. But when her dad's job pulls her away to Brooklyn for the summer, Caspia isn't thrilled about spending time in an unfamiliar place. On her very first day at the B&B, she stumbles upon a bundle of letters that sparks an unexpected adventure—one filled with plants, new friends, exciting places, delicious food, and, most importantly, fresh perspectives.

This story is an absolute delight—cozy, heartwarming, and brimming with plant riddles, culinary discoveries, and the joy of new experiences. The lessons of embracing new possibilities would have captured my 12-year-old book-loving heart just as much as they did the more mature version of me today. It's a truly enchanting read, and I highly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley and DK for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Green Kingdom is an adorable book,
I found Caspia to be a likable character, and her experiences will leave any preteen feeling seen. The riddles were clever and the overall message, that we can put roots down everywhere is one that many readers will benefit from.

This a delightful bite sized story. That reads like a love letter to plants, books, and different cultures. The riddles that Caspia finds with the letters. Tease your knowledge of botany and show the many influences and uses of each plant. I loved all the unique shops and gardens she visited. The characters are all varied and interesting too. An enchanting read.

(Thank you to Netgalley for the arc)

Thank you NetGalley for this eARC! I thought that it was a very quick and cozy read about plants while it being set in NYC. I can see kids enjoying this book as it's very fun and I can think of many programs to pair this book with.

The Green Kingdom is an absolute gem of a book! If you’re looking for a story that’s as full of heart as it is of adventure, this is it. I seriously can't get enough of Caspia and her summer of unexpected discoveries.

I adored how this book perfectly captures that awkward, growing-into-yourself feeling of being a preteen, paired with the quiet magic of discovering nature and new friendships. Caspia is relatable, smart, and skeptical at first, but watching her come alive in this new world is such a joy. The riddles are clever and educational, teaching kids about plants in a way that feels like a fun treasure hunt, rather than a lesson.

What really sold me on this book, though, was how it gently nudges Caspia—and readers—toward the idea that we can all put down roots where we least expect it. Whether it’s a new place, a new friendship, or a new appreciation for the beauty of plants, The Green Kingdom shows that adventure can grow from the most surprising places.

For readers ages 10 and up (though honestly, adults will love it too), this book is like a breath of fresh, green air. It’s full of mystery, nature, and the kinds of moments that make you believe in the unexpected magic of life. If you haven’t read it yet, I can’t recommend it enough—The Green Kingdom is one enchanting, heartwarming journey you won’t want to miss!

When I seen Cornelia was coming out with a new book I RAN.

She's been a staple author in my life and this book did nit disappoint at all!!

ARC Copy...Highly suggestible as a light read to "budding" gardeners and plant lovers alike. It was a lot of fun to guess the plant like the protagonists and very much Funke's solid style of writing.

I am a big Cornelia Funke fan. It has been awhile and I was thrilled to read this one. Loved the characters and friendships. The puzzles were a bonus I didn’t know I needed. So fun!

The Green Kingdom by Cornelia Funke

Caspia must go to Brooklyn for three months in the summer with her parents. She’s disappointed she has to spend time away from her friends. But, Brooklyn isn’t as bad as she thought it would be. When Caspia finds old letters, she reads them. Each letter has a riddle and she decides to solve them and the clues lead her to different plants. Along the way she makes some friends and realizes Brooklyn isn’t a bad place to be. The plants taught her to put down roots.

What a cute story! I couldn’t help but smile the whole time I was reading. I loved the character. Caspia was so sweet and really made the best of her time in Brooklyn. I absolutely loved the writing and flow of this book.

The last book I read by Cornelia was Inkheart and I loved that book. I can’t recommend this book enough. It was an adorable quick read! I was so excited to receive an ARC of this book! Thank you so much NetGalley, Cornelia, Tammi and DK for the ARC!!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publication Date: April 1 2025
#NetGalley #TheGreenKingdom

My kids and I LOVE The Thief Lord and the Inkheart trilogy, so when I saw this one I had to request it! This was such a fun way to introduce kids to plants! I loved the storyline and all the riddles. We will definitely be adding this to our collection when it comes out!