Hemmy and Shemmy are budding gardeners who have learned to take excellent care of their plants and flowers. Now, it's time for them to care for another living thing, too! Yet even when they take the very best care of something they love, the unexpected happens. Learn, grow, and develop alongside Hemmy and Shemmy as they experience the ups and downs of responsibility, the peace that can come from navigating a range of emotions, and the way joyful memories can help lessen the pain of death and loss.

Already well known as featured characters in the Housman Institute’s ECSELent Adventures™ program, these otter siblings encourage young readers to become the boss of their own feelings, and respect the feelings of others.  Through Gilly and the Garden, children can begin to explore and better understand the range of big and small emotions.