The Secret Kingdom: Nek Chand, a Changing India, and a Hidden World of Art

The Secret Kingdom: Nek Chand, a Changing India, and a Hidden World of Art by Barb Rosenstock; illustrated by Claire A. Nivola (Candlewick Press, 2018). In 1947, Nek Chand began building a Rock Garden in Chandigarh, India, using natural and discarded manmade materials, including broken glass, porcelain from chipped sinks, old bicycles and rusty pipes. Readers will learn of Chand’s marvelous creations in this picture book biography with detailed illustrations and a gatefold photograph. (Grades 2-5)

Award Status: Winner, 2019

Award Category: Young Readers

Author: Barb Rosenstock

Illustrator: Claire A. Nivola

Read more and purchase on the author’s website.