Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Tom's Midnight Garden

film

Tom's Midnight Garden

2000

When Tom's brother Peter gets measles, he is sent to stay with his Uncle Alan and Aunt Gwen in a flat with no garden and an elderly landlady, Mrs Bartholomew, living upstairs. Because he may be infectious, he is not allowed to play outside and feels lonely. Without exercise he is less sleepy at night and when he hears the communal grandfather clock strangely strike 13, he investigates and finds the small back yard is now a large sunlit garden.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character2/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Romance1/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Themes of mortality are handled gracefully as part of the narrative's exploration of time.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Clean language throughout.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

No romance depicted.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Some scenes of loneliness and the mystery of the changing time can feel slightly eerie for very young children.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Includes very mild, non-realistic fantasy conflict.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Tom shows bravery by venturing into the unknown.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Highly imaginative premise that encourages curiosity.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

The story includes varied ages and social circumstances, but provides little broader representation of backgrounds, identities or abilities.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Reflects on British social history and the concept of time.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Kindness and connection across generations are central to the story.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Promotes themes of friendship, the passage of time, and the importance of imagination.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Tom is a curious and empathetic protagonist.

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Tom's Midnight Garden would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Tom's Midnight Garden, and what caused that change?
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