Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest For Kids, by Ashley Erdely

 

Publication Oct. 14, 202

Fantastic, fun field guide to wildflowers.

While targeting younger readers, this one is something any age can appreciate. I do note that there's a version aimed at all ages available, too, but don't let the "for kids" in the title stop you from getting this one. As one of those whose spent much of my life identifying flowers as the "pretty yellow flowers" or simply "blue" or "pink" or whatever, I was delighted to find several of the flowers common to my yard and very Northwest Pacific area showcased. To be honest, the book had me with its early section on composite flowers, not only because sunflowers and daisies are favorites but because, well, I'm owned by a furry corgi mix named Daisy. Heck, I had to go out and find some wild daisies still growing here -- alas, flower season is winding down fast in Alaska -- to check out the descriptions given. Yep, right on. 

In any case, while written for children, I see this as a book meant to be utilized by adults accompanying children on nature walks as the text isn't elementary. Hence my belief all ages will enjoy.  It's well organized with a simple but well structured table of contents and quick reference notes up front. The section showing the various flowers by blooming time/months and elevation were an added touch. The book can certainly be read in any order or simply grabbed as a quick reference with even info on how best to utilize the book. Basic info and fun facts and stories are given for each in addition to scientific names, most of which seemed to be explained. For instance, the flower I know as Blue Bells is known in the scientific community as Companula Rotundfolia. Why? In Latin, companula means "little bell" while rotundfolia means "round leaves". Steps to identify them are included. There's also info on what plants to avoid.

Even better, all this is done in a readable, easily understandable way. There's even a brief history of how flowers came to be spread, including by one of my Alaskan favorites, glaciers. In addition, ways that plants have evolved, such as having tiny surface hairs or a waxy surface, for instance, to preserve moisture. Pollinators get space, too, including the likes of bats, which I'd never really thought about as a potential pollinator. And, oh, so much more. Seriously, they even discuss the need for carrying a first aid kit with you, never a bad idea when venturing out. I liked their reminder that "One person's weed is another person's wildflower," too, as a fan of the dandelion. There's also an extensive glossary and index at the back as well as photo credits. The photos are wonderful, by the way. Very colorful and frequently close up views that catch your eye. Thanks #TimberPress and #NetGalley for this early peek. I loved it and the 8" measuring guide on the back cover was a good touch. 

 

Wildflower Emily: A Story About Young Emily Dickinson, by Lydia Corry

 

Publication October 15, 2024

I'm so glad I took this walk in the woods with a young Emily Dickinson and her dog Carlo. The illustrations are lovely, colorful, and nicely done with lots and lots and lots of flowers. Emily loved the outdoors and her flowers. I must admit that while I've enjoyed her poetry, I knew little about Dickinson's life when  started reading. My sum total of knowledge pretty much was that she was reclusive somehow different from most but wrote wonderful poems.

What I particularly enjoyed about the book format was its inclusion of not only many flower pictures but Emily's poetry interspersed throughout, each relevant to that particular part of the story. The text itself is simple and easy to understand. While written for young readers, I'm sure readers of all ages will find something to like about this enchanting look into life and heart of a young girl whose poetry, whether we recognize it as hers or not, has surely touched some part of our lives. It's telling that in one flower viewing adventure she loses, then finds both her dog and a lovely flower she's long wanted to see. As she goes to snip it, she stops, however. She decides it's not meant to be moved from its place in the sun. A reminder for all of us to enjoy nature and, in a way, leave nothing but tracks. Well, okay, she loses a shoe in the process but, hey, she was in a bog. The understanding nature of her parents was further shown by them calmly accepting the muddy girl and dog home with no chastisement. They and seemingly those about her, accepted her as the unique individual she was, another subtle reminder to us all to accept all. 

I would recommend this book to all lovers of poetry and flowers, not to mention dogs and nature. While we often think sadly of her as a recluse, she obviously lived life her way. There's a great deal to be said for that. Teacher friends, this would be an excellent introduction to her poetry or, for the more scientific minded, types of flowers as all the illustrations of flowers are nicely labeled. The quick snippets of info at the end detail her full life in more detail. Wait till you see how she kept in touch with friends! Thank you so much #MacmillanChildren'sPublishingGroup - #GodwinBooks for refreshing my interest in this fascinating woman. She definitely wasn't a nobody.

The Weedflower, by Elizabeth Davaze, Marianne Ferrer (illustrator)

 Publication August 13, 2024

Perfect timing. I'm sitting by my front window watching dandelion "fluff" floating and dancing in the breeze as I type. I am also the neighbor who postponed getting my yard mowed an extra week to allow myself not just more time to enjoy the sea of yellow but feed the pollinators. I loved seeing that burst of yellow. As a result, I thoroughly related to the young girl, Sam, finding joy in the growth and tenacity of the "weedflower". 

On a deeper level, I liked the big idea that if something is nurtured and loved, it may flourish, spreading beauty and love even further. Even when someone (in this case adults) don't seem to appreciate it, the potential is there. The illustrations were simple, largely in warm colors but with b/w scattered throughout. The teacher in me searched for a meaning of the juxtapositioning of color and lack of color but could find none, but maybe you'll do better. In any case, the idea that one lone, loving gesture can spread is clearly shown. Anyone familiar with dandelions knows they don't need much encouragement but the concept that children flourish best when loved and nurtured is clear. Actually, all living beings do. 

Bottom line, while it was difficult for this former country girl to imagine even a city child could be unfamiliar with dandelions despite the frequent, disparaging term "weed" being applied to them, I loved the idea of a child being enthralled by that one bit of nature's bounty. I did wish at least one of the teachers had been part of the miracle, quite frankly, but, nevertheless, I enjoyed the story and ideas it shared on all levels. Thanks #NetGalley and #OwlKids for reminding us of the beauty of some of the smallest miracles of nature.

Backpack Explorer: Discovering Plants and Flowers: What Will You Find?, by Editors of Storey Publishing

 

Publication March 26, 2024

Fun! Even better, shh, don't tell the kids, it's educational. Kids of all ages, including us old kids, can learn quite a bit from this deceptively simple book. The illustrations (see cover) are realistic, mostly photos, and colorful, and draw you into the text. While the cover lured me in, I was definitely impressed with not only the illustrations and organization, but the numerous variety of hands-on activities suggested throughout. Each section ended with ideas for getting involved, getting your hands dirty, so to speak. I've read that there are even stickers provided in the actual book for children to use to mark their discoveries as they investigate the world of plants and flowers, not to mention berries and grasses. As an adult who still loves stickers, I can see where they would be a great motivator. 

The info is presented in an easy to read manner but don't let that fool you. It's full of great info and ideas, as well as photos showing the various items mentioned. I would anticipate many children gravitating to the activity showing them how to use the juices of various plants and berries to create masterpieces of their own designs. In addition, if you have a budding prince or princess, there are instructions on how to create flower/plant crowns, not to mention many, many more activities to get them involved. As almost any teacher will tell you, getting children to feel a part of the actual learning (without knowing it) is half the battle. 

This lovely, colorful, easy-to-read book would make a lovely gift for both children and not-so-young adults, too. I'll also mention that the book takes the space to caution young explorers about plants to be avoided, not to mention warns them simply not to go around picking flowers without permission. That brought back memories of plucking some of my grandma's beloved roses as a child. She was gracious but, of course, in retrospect, may have been holding back tears. In any case, thanks #NetGalley and #StoreyPublishing for allowing me this sneak peek. If there wasn't three feet of snow outside my windows here in Alaska, I'd be outside checking out some of nature's beautiful works of wonder.

Must Love Flowers, by Debbie Macomber

 Publication July 11, 2023

First off, welcome back Debbie Macomber. I'm glad you un-retired. You've been missed. And, what a lovely book to make your first post un-retirement. "Must Love Flowers" works on so many levels. 

I'm finding myself more and more drawn to books that are character driven. In this one that is so very true. Main character Joan is just emerging from four long years of mourning her late husband and her emergence sweeps not just her but many others into growth and changes, too. I immediately liked Joan and would love to have her as a friend. She opens the story feeling as if she has no incentive to even get out of bed in the morning since her husband's unexpected death four years ago. She found comfort in the isolation of the epidemic, using it as both an excuse to shun human contact and simply isolate herself. Then, suddenly, events bring about a change in Joan. Her sister Emmie has repeatedly told her that the key to opening up again is to focus on doing something for someone else and, boy, does she ever.

Of course, it takes more than her sister's increasingly not-so-gentle prods. Would you believe a warning from her HOA? Seems she's allowed her property to go-to-seed, so to speak. Looking outside, particularly at her flower beds that were once her pride, she suddenly decides to hire lawn care. Then she uses her sister's gift, a salon visit, for a haircut. Next thing you know, she's taking in a boarder, Maggie, not to mention a puppy her son more or less forces on her. And then there's the grief support group which, contrary to her fears, provides more laughs and human support than expected. It also brings her back into contact with Phil, the man she hired to bring her neglected lawn back to bloom. 

I won't detail the plot further aside to say that it contains everything we've come to expect from Debbie Macomber: family, friends, romance, struggle, hope, and, yes, even a darling puppy. Is it easy? Are all their problems fixed instantly? Of course not. 

There's even an alcoholic father whose seemingly combative relationship with Maggie makes you want to hug and encourage Maggie's push to become a nurse. If this makes the book sound depressive, far from it. Despite the realities of life intruding, the tone is largely uplifting, with the hope of a wonderful future for all hovering above as you read. From near recluse to mother-hen to....what? Joan makes strides toward a happy future that, yes, allows others into her world and reminds us to have meaningful conversations, not just idle chit-chat. 

Bottom line, I loved every minute of "Must Love Flowers", even the tenser ones. Some may roll their eyes at the idea of happily ever after but as long as Debbie Macomber continues to take us there through her writing, I'm there for it. Thank you so much #NetGalley and #RandomHousePublishingGroup - #BallantineBooks for allowing me to bask in the virtual warmth of Joan's friends. Welcome back, Debbie Macomber.