“I want you to know that your garden lives everywhere.”

— Chris Conolly, Angelos Garden book

The Making of Angelo’s Garden

  • Dream it.

    As a young kid, I absolutely loved drawing. I spent hours a day teaching myself. I even asked for sketchbooks, crayons, colored pencils, and markers for Christmas and birthdays hoping to one day become a cartoonist. Growing up in a single-parent, Italian-American home in Philadelphia, PA, my grandfather (“Pop”), Angelo Pinto, raised me like his own son. He often saved my sketchbooks and said he was going to hang on to them for when “I became famous.”

  • Build it.

    Well, I’m not famous, but I did become an elementary literacy teacher who never lost his love for drawing or his grandfather. After taking a children’s book tutorial, teaching myself to use new design software, reaching out to friends who have published books, and countless rounds of drawing, coloring, re-drawing, scanning, editing, and reformatting - and lots of mistakes along the way - I decided that it was time to let go of trying to make everything “perfect” (because it never would be) and finally publish. In March 2023, I achieved a lifelong dream and self-published Angelo’s Garden.

  • Grow it.

    This book, written and illustrated by me, Chris Conolly, tells a personal story inspired by my grandfather’s cherished fig tree and the lessons it holds about nurturing relationships, cherishing memories, and passing down values to future generations.

    Through Angelo’s Garden, my hope is to encourage readers of all ages to reflect on what truly matters in life: love, resilience, and the seeds we plant for future generations. Even the smallest acts of care can create something lasting and meaningful.

    I invite you to become part of the Angelo’s Garden community. By reading and sharing this book, and following the social media pages with motivating and inspiring posts, you’re helping cultivate a spirit of connection, legacy, and growth in your own life and the lives of others. Let’s grow something beautiful together!

What People are Saying About Angelo’s Garden

  • “A beautifully illustrated, emotional, and heartwarming tribute to a grandfather named Angelo, who loved his garden but adored his fig tree the most! The fig tree that bears fruits all year round and symbolises wisdom and knowledge, fits so well into the meaning of the cycle of life and continuity, that is told in this story. The book is well written and intertwines strong family connection and love and can only leave you smiling knowing that, like Angelo, other people who’ve “travelled to the garden in the sky” still have a deep rooted presence in other peoples lives, well after they are gone. Just like the roots of the fig tree that continue to grow, Angelo lives on in the memory of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. A must-read for the young and the not so young."

    Liza B.

  • "I just met this most amazing kind man that wrote and illustrated this wonderful book. He was coming out of a library on Broad Street in Philadelphia. He was taking a picture of himself holding the book. I asked him if I could take his picture and we started up a conversation. He kindly gave me this book after hearing that my son Chris had passed away two years ago from colon cancer at the age of 37. This was meant to be. I had so many chills as we talked. So serendipitous meeting this lovely young man who wrote such a wonderful book on loss of a l9ved one and how their spirit lives on forever. Please know that if you have suffered loss of a loved one. We all have. This book will be such a beautiful reminder that their spirit lives on in us all."

    Mandy

  • "This book is so beautiful and hits all the right feelings about the beauty of inter generational relationships. Especially touching to me because my mom is an avid gardener and she has a fig tree too. Beautiful read and it’s straight from the heart."

    Martha J.

  • "The positive spin on a subject often difficult for children to grasp makes this book one of the best on this topic! It is both comforting and uplifting, providing peace and reassurance to those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. The author has masterfully woven a tale that deals with death in a child-friendly inspiring way, conveying the message that loved ones will always be with us even after they leave this world. I especially appreciate the unique, special analogy that our loved ones create a garden that will never wither, even without their presence. The magic of this book stems from the fact that the author based it on his own grandfather, a hard-working, kind-natured army veteran, who had a lasting influence on his family. Overall, this is an exceptionally well-written piece of children's literature, and an immensely valuable resource that I hope reaches all who need it!"

    Louise Jane, CEO The Golden Wizard Book Prize

  • "Well - this is the second book recently to make me shed a tear. How beautiful is this story! Many children and families who have lost a cherished grandparent will take comfort from this story. It definitely brought back wonderful memories of my grandad - who also loved to garden, back to me! We meet Angelo and learn about his love for gardening , favourite plants and what he enjoys doing in his garden. When he sadly passes away - how does his legacy live on? Stories like this one are so important to help children manage grief positively and reflectively too. Complete with hand drawn pictures and photos, this serves to be stunning book for everyone."

    -ZN, United Kingdom (Review from Verified Purchaser on Amazon.com)

  • “This book was so good! The story was fluid and engaging. The moral was incredible and such an important thing to remember as we grow and lose loved ones. And the drawings were amazing, with stunning colors - they did a great job at accompanying the written story. Overall, I highly recommend this book!"

    Jade Le Bris, France (Review from Verified Purchaser on Amazon.com)

  • "I came upon this book while home with my children trying to explain a ‘fig’ to them. The more I looked for a better visual I found a book by an author local to us. I’ve been an avid book lover since childhood and as an adult I just adore the idea and creative artwork and illustrations Chris used to tell a family story."

    -Tracyleamc

  • "Such a heartwarming book about the memories and love shared between grandson and grandfather. With a touching message of remembering loved ones who are never truly gone, this sweet story is great for readers of all ages."

    Steena

  • "loveeeee this book. fabulous. definitely made me a little teary eyed. this book is about the love between a grandchild and his grandpa and how even when people are no longer on this Earth, they can live on in other ways. highly recommend."

    Randy

  • "What a sweet and touching book about a boy, his grandfather and a fig tree! I bought 3 copies one for each of my grandchildren!"

    Theresa Hoffman

  • "This is a beautifully illustrated, wonderfully humane story that - though simple enough for young children to follow and enjoy - imparts the crucial lesson that a person lives on indefinitely in the legacies he/she leaves behind. My son gives Angelo's Garden two enthusiastic thumbs up!"

    Lisa C.

  • "This story made me tear up!! I think the moral of the story is wonderful and heartfelt! Leaving such an amazing impact / footprint on soo many people lives is the one way you truly can live on forever!! :-D <3"

    Heather H.

  • "What a great book. My kids (6 and 2) enjoyed reading along."

    Benjamin Anderson

  • "This book had so much symbolism and it was very touching! It reminded me of my grandfather :) My daughters loved all the illustrations!"

    Marcela R.

  • "This story is a touching tale that brings together stories across generations with shared experiences of love, loss, and what we leave behind. It centers around a special fig tree, which symbolizes wisdom and life going on, perfectly capturing how we remember those who are no longer with us. Chris's writing is clear and straightforward, making the book easy for people of all ages to enjoy. It's a book that offers comfort and smiles, reminding us that the influence of those we love continues to grow, like the roots of a fig tree, long after they are gone."

    Julia Mostykhovska

  • "Great addition to our Little Free Library. This is a sweet book about Angelo’s Garden and the relationship between a grandfather and grandson. It also touches on the full circle of life and the legacy one leaves behind. I enjoyed reading this book, and I am excited to share it with our Little Free Library community."

    Christopher & Danika Lounds

  • "Angelo's Garden is a poignant tale that beautifully captures the essence of love, resilience, and the enduring legacy of a father's devotion. At the center of the narrative is Angelo, a man deeply connected to his cherished fig tree. This is more than just a story about nature but a metaphor for the strength of familial ties. This book isn’t just a story, it’s an extremely beautiful memory that can now live on for future generations to read."

    Kelsey C.

  • "There are so many things I love about this book. I bought this book for my Italian side of the family, particularly my mother who is half-Italian. My mother is Angela and her mother, my grandmother, was named Angelina, and they both loved their gardens. The most beautiful part of this book is the relationship between the author and his grandfather, Pop. This book is good for all ages, showing the beautiful connections we have with others and how these relationships continue to nourish us, even after our loved one has passed on. The illustrations are vibrant and beautiful. I also love the healing power of gardens, as so graciously described by Pop's love of his garden. I think this book is a great tool for helping children cope with grief."

    Kristen

  • “This is a lovely picture book about Angelo and his garden. It's also about Angelo's family, about them carrying on a loved one's memory, and passing on important traditions. It portrays a wonderful example of not only how we can keep our loved one's memory alive, but also a special example of how to pay tribute to them through our actions. It's a great picture book for generations to read together.”

    Joan, Summer Crossing LFL

  • "I am so delighted that I’ve come across this touching book. It delivered so much more than I hoped. The story sparked a conversation between me and my son about passing away and the legacy of what we leave behind. It’s a meaningful story that highlights the experiences that we share together lives on beyond our years. In this case, Angelo’s garden and the beautiful memories he’s built with his family will continue to flourish. What a great tribute! Highly recommend."

    Gisele

  • "Angelo’s Garden is such a sweet tribute to the author’s grandfather Angelo. I could feel how much he loved him through the words on the page and it took me back to my time with my own grandfather. I loved this book and you will too!"

    Katie Kimsey

  • "I was incredibly touched reading the story of Angelo's Garden. As a friend, having known the positive influence of Chris' relationship to his grandfather - reading this book helped deepen that understanding even further. As a mental health clinician, I saw through the detailed and beautiful images along with the emotions conveyed simply yet poignantly - a tool for working with children through the sadness and the love present during life as well as loss. Using nature both literally and symbolically with Angelo's gift of his figs and the growth of the trees - Chris captures how we are given things by those we love that live on forever in our memories and our hearts."

    Faith D. Gordon-Mazur, MA, LPC, NCC

  • "This is a beautiful story about love, loss and the meaning of life. We are excited to add a copy to our Little Free Library in San Diego, California."

    Emile Bourquin

  • "Angelo was my father and this story made me cry. I think it was written and illustrated beautifully and the moral of the story is true. Our loved ones live on in our hearts and our minds. As shown in the photo, he also lives on in my fig tree."

    Monica Kalin

  • "I really enjoyed this book! It is a pleasure to read either as an adult or as a child. It is a wholesome book that is light hearted with its cartoonish illustrations, but also heavy hearted with its messages on love and loss. It’s essentially a story of legacy. I love that heaven is referred to as the “garden in the sky.” I recommend you order this book and enjoy this timeless treasure!"

    Kiran

  • "We really loved this story. The heartfelt words and lovely illustrations tell the story of Angelo’s garden and how his favourite tree helped him leave a reminder of his good life for generations after, as will the legacy of this lovely book. This extremely well-written story book is meaningful and sweet, touching on grief in a very child friendly, easy to understand way."

    Gem, United Kingdom (Verified Purchase from Amazon.com)

Bring the Magic of Angelo’s Garden Home

  • Buy on Amazon

    Get your copy delivered from Amazon.

    Buy here

  • Barnes & Noble

    Buy Angelo’s Garden on Barnes & Noble.

    Buy Here

  • Angelo from Angelo’s Garden

    This design features an original design inspired by “Angelo's Garden” with vibrant illustration by Chris Conolly that brings the charming world of Angelo to life. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the main character of this beloved story!

    Apparel and accessories available in adult and kids’ sizes, including long and short sleeve T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, hats, stickers, tote bags, mugs, and more!

    Shop Here

  • Butterfly from Angelo’s Garden

    Celebrate growth and transformation with the iconic Angelo butterfly from “Angelo’s Garden” book written, and illustrated by Chris Conolly. Paired with the uplifting mantra “Grow. Transform. Soar.”, this design embodies, the heart of the story - honoring resilience, change, and the legacy that connects us all.

    Apparel and accessories available in adult and kids’ sizes, including long and short sleeve T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, hats, stickers, tote bags, mugs, and more!

    Shop Here

  • Plant Memories Grow Legacies Angelo’s Garden Fig Branch T-Shirt

    Celebrate a heartfelt message from “Angelo’s Garden” book written and illustrated by Chris Conolly. Featuring an elegant illustration of the iconic fig branch from the book and the inspiring quote this is a perfect gift for anyone who cherishes the power of love, family, and storytelling.

    Apparel and accessories available in adult and kids’ sizes, including long and short sleeve T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, hats, stickers, tote bags, mugs, and more!

    Shop Here

Angelo’s Garden Continues to Grow

  • Angelo's Garden Becomes Part of The Free Library of Philadelphia Children’s Book Collection

    Angelo's Garden is a cherished addition to The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Children’s Literature Department, capturing the hearts of young readers and their families alike. It is currently available for borrowing at several branches including the Parkway Central Branch, Fumo Family Branch, Roxborough Library, and Thomas F. Donatucci, Sr. Branch.

    I've had the joy of presenting this delightful book during the “Storytime Sessions” at The Thomas F. Donatucci, Sr. Branch - my home branch growing up - where we explored the wonders of nature and the power of imagination through an interactive read aloud followed by fun and engaging activities related to the book. It's an honor to see my story come alive and spark a love for reading in the vibrant setting of the library!

  • Angelo's Garden Featured in the Italian Garden Project's Hall of Honor!

    The Italian Garden Project, an organization created by Mary Menniti, is dedicated to archiving and preserving the history and tradition of Italian-American gardens and their keepers. The Project recent began focusing on creating a fig tree database to archive fig trees grown and cared for in “unusual places” (i.e. places in the United States with colder climates).

    When I found out about this project, I knew that I had to reach out to Mary, send her a copy of my book, and tell her about Angelo’s garden. After a couple of exchanges and a phone call, Mary encouraged me to look deeper into the background of Angelo’s garden so they could honor his passion for gardening and his fig tree. In addition to reaching out to family members to get more information, I did some of my own research to learn more about the history of my grandfather’s ancestry.

    The Italian Garden Project has officially inducted Angelo Pinto into their “Hall of Honor” and featured him in the Italian Garden Project’s Fig Tree Database so that the memory of his tree can be archived and memorialized forever.

  • Angelo's Garden included in Little Free Libraries Around the World!

    Since 2023, Angelo’s Garden book has been spreading its message of love, legacy, and growth by being placed in Little Free Libraries around the globe. This heartwarming children’s book is now available for readers in countries such as Australia, India, Italy, Ecuador, and throughout the United States, bringing its story to diverse communities and inspiring young minds everywhere.

    The book’s inclusion in Little Free Libraries highlights the importance of accessible literacy for all, while also fostering a global connection through shared stories. It’s a beautiful reminder that books can transcend borders and spark joy in readers of all ages.

    It’s a huge honor to be part of this incredible movement and to see Angelo’s Garden find its way into the hands of children, families, and educators worldwide! If you’re in the neighborhood of a Little Free Library, be sure to look for Angelo’s Garden — you never know where the next copy might be! If you are a steward of a Little Free Library, I hope you will consider getting a copy of Angelo’s Garden to share with your community!

  • Angelo’s Garden Wins 2023 Golden Wizard Book Prize

    Angelo’s Garden was honored with the prestigious Golden Wizard Book Prize in 2023! This honor is awarded to exceptional works of children’s literature that not only captivate the imagination but also leave a lasting impression on readers of all ages.

    Angelo’s Garden was recognized for its heartfelt storytelling, stunning illustrations, and its ability to resonate with readers on a deeply emotional level. Winning the Golden Wizard Book Prize is a milestone for Angelo’s Garden and a reflection of the love and enthusiasm it has received from readers, educators, and families worldwide. I’m incredibly grateful for the recognition and deeply humbled by the outpouring of support for this special story.

Free Downloads!

  • Angelo's Garden Winter Favorite Things

    Invite your students to explore their favorite winter activities with this fun Angelo’s Garden Winter Favorite Things printable! They’ll have the chance to draw and write about what they love to eat, play, and do both inside and outside during the chilly months. Whether it’s cozying up with a warm cup of hot chocolate or playing in the snow, this activity encourages creativity and a love for writing.

    Download

  • Angelo's Garden Winter Word Searches

    Discover the joy of winter with Angelo's Garden Winter Word Search Activities! Featuring an array of winter-themed words that are perfect for all ages. Choose from easy, intermediate, or advanced challenges.

    Download

  • Angelo's Garden Word Search

    Find the words related to Angelo’s Garden book in this fun word search!

    Download

  • Angelo's Holiday Sweaters

    Get ready to deck the halls with creativity! Download Angelo's holiday sweater coloring pages. Choose from a blank template to design your very own festive sweaters, or grab the special "I Dig Figs" design featuring Angelo’s quirky style.

    Download

  • Angelo's Gingerbread Neighborhood

    It’s Christmas time in South Philly - the place where Angelo and Chris were born and raised - and the row homes in neighborhood have turned into gingerbread houses! Color these Gingerbread Row Homes illustrated by Chris Conolly!

    Download

  • Angelo's Holiday Fig Tree

    It’s time for the holidays! Help Angelo to decorate this growing fig tree for Christmas!

    Download

Follow Angelo’s Garden Book on Social Media!