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Display: Flowers

Written by Shyala Smith
Illustrated by Aaron Paul Asis
United Kingdom: Lantana Publishing Ltd., 2024. Picture Book.

Juhi loves helping her Appa sell flowers to the local community. In Appa's flower shop, Juhi knows the language of love--lilies for affection, irises for hugs and kisses. She knows the language of faith--frangipani for full moon days, red hibiscus for the temple. She knows the language of celebration--daffodils for the newborn, peonies for a birthday cake. But when her Appa tells her that her favorite customer has passed away, she does not know the language of grief. While Appa makes a bouquet of lilies and orchids to bring to Mr. Potter's funeral, Juhi decides to make him one final bouquet of her own. Which flowers will she choose to remember a man who was always so full of life? --Publisher

Written by Elizabeth Davaze
Illustrated by Marianne Ferrer
Toronto; Berkeley, CA: Owlkids Books, 2024. Picture Book.

 A modern schoolyard fable about the nature's magical ability to encourage imagination, play, and joy--and to always grow back. One day on the grey school playground, Sam notices something new. Against all odds, a little flower has sprouted in between the concrete and rubber turf. Sam adores the tiny bud. She sings to it, admires it, and watches it bloom into a bright yellow flower too large to hide. Soon the other students come to see it, too. They bring it offerings of water, play games with it, and protect it from harm. Under their care, the flower thrives, illuminating the gloomy playground and eventually--magically--changing into one perfect fluffball that dances in the wind. Finally, the adults take notice. And, worried the weed will take over the entire yard, they decide it has to go. Ignoring the students' protests, the custodian heads out during class to pull it out. At first, the flower holds tight. Its roots have grown strong with the students' care and love. But then the teachers join in, and finally the principal too. The students wish a million wishes for the flower to stay, but the roots break free, and the flower's fluff floats off into the air. The weedflower is no more... until one afternoon in early spring one hundred tiny buds pop up in the middle of the playground. --Publisher.

Written by Melanie Brown
Illustrated by Sara Gillingham
Vancouver: British Columbia, Greystone Kids, 2022. Picture Book.

When little Daisy finds herself blooming in a garden she is happy to stretch her petals to the sky. How lovely it feels to be a flower in bloom! Until, Rose tells her that she doesn't belong in the garden. Daisy is a weed, and just gets in the way. Other flowering plants and herbs in the garden agree with Rose, but some of the other garden inhabitants don't. They suggest that Daisy is actually a wildflower, that can grow within or outside of gardens and has a purpose all of her own. Is Daisy a weed or a wildflower? Who decides? This is a story about finding the inner strength to define ourselves on our own terms. --Publisher.

Written by Frank J. Sileo
Illustrated by Brittany Lakin
Washington, D.C.: Magination Press, 2021. Picture Book.

Blossom and Bud, who live in Mr. Baxter's flower shop, are embarrassed and sometimes teased about their appearance, but her unusual height and his being a late-bloomer are perfect for one special occasion. --Editor


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