stip’s garden /stɪps gɑːd(ə)n/
Stip’s Garden is a concertina (leporello) book, designed and illustrated by Merike van de Vijver for children aged 3–8. It combines a read-aloud story with an informative guide, all in one book. In the story, Stip the ladybird lands in a paved garden where there is little to discover. His friends—Worm, Frog, Bee, Butterfly, Blackbird and Hedgehog—are reluctant to visit. With so many stone slabs and so little greenery, there is nothing for them to eat or drink, and it becomes uncomfortably hot when the sun is shining.
Stip invites you into the garden and shows how small changes can transform it into a lush, green haven.
Unfold the book to reveal the full transformation!
On the back page, you’ll find more about Stip’s friends, along with fascinating facts about these animals and tips for exploring the garden using all your senses. You can even colour in the animals yourself!
You can order the booklets here. An English translation is in the making.
Stip’s Garden is the result of a creative collaboration between Anneke van Veen and Merike van de Vijver.
Anneke had long dreamed of creating a children’s book about the “Super Six of the garden”—a local, accessible alternative to the famous “Big Five”. After all, you don’t need to travel halfway around the world to discover wildlife; you can find it right outside your door, on your balcony, or in a nearby park. This idea sparked Merike’s imagination (see also her series Van Grijs naar Groen). She created Stip as the central character—a neutral, curious figure whose world is directly shaped by biodiversity.
Blending Anneke’s expertise in biodiversity and climate awareness with Merike’s distinctive creative vision and love of innovative design, The Garden with Stip invites children to see their surroundings differently. With a playful and uplifting approach, it encourages them to take action and discover the richness of nature close to home.
Stip can come into the classroom too! In collaboration with GDO – Municipalities for Sustainable Development, Naar Buiten Leiden and the Weizigt Centre for Nature and Environmental Education, Merike has developed Stip’s Garden into a teaching programme for Reception to Year 3. Stip has gained some new friends, and the activities from the book have been adapted for use in the classroom.
Read more here about the teaching pack and the extras you can add, such as finger puppets, buttons and a colouring sheet.