Synopses & Reviews
The luminous garden scenes and playful language in this tale of late-blooming self-discovery tell the story of Holly Bloom, a girl who wants nothing more than to be a great gardener, but simply doesnt seem to have the knack. Despite suggestions and support from her green-thumbed mom and siblings, Holly just can't get her garden to bloom. She waters and fertilizes and uses all the right gardening tools, but her daffodils don't grow and her daisies keep drooping. Armed with a positive attitude and unwavering perseverance, Holly finally realizes that she does not need to grow flowers with soil and seeds to be a success. Inspired by her artistic father, she taps into her natural creative abilities and surprises everyone by growing her own unique garden—from paper, paste, pipe cleaners, and paint!
Review
"A satisfying resolution to a story of perseverance and self-discovery." —School Library Journal
Review
"A sweet story about a young girl who persists despite multiple failures, finally finding her own unique way to shine . . . pleasing to the ear, eye, and mind." —Children's Literature
Review
"This story will resonate with children who may have problems standing out in a family or who haven't found the activity they shine at yet." —Booklist
Review
"Sweet and well told." Star Tribune (Minneapolis)
Review
"Pleasing to the ear, eye, and mind." Children's Literature
Review
"Holly has realized there are many ways to be creative, and sometimes you just have to find your own way." OC Family Magazine
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"An absolutely glorious picture book." WizKids.co.il
Review
"Luminous garden scenes and playful language." website of the Kansas City, Kansas, Public Library
About the Author
Sarah Ashman is an editor and talent representative specializing in comics and humor. She was the vice president and director of comic arts for United Feature Syndicate/Newspaper Enterprise Association, where she successfully acquired and developed Scott Adams's
Dilbert. She lives in Tarrytown, New York.
Nancy Parent has written and developed several lines of books as well as extensive collateral materials for The Walt Disney Publishing Group. She is the author of more than 75 children's books, including
Oh Bother! It's the Easter Bunny, a
Publishers Weekly children's bestseller. She was the script supervisor and production coordinator on Disney's
The Little Mermaid and
The Prince and the Pauper and the senior editor of Disney's Mouse Works imprint. She lives in Pasadena, California.
Lori Mitchell is an award-winning author and illustrator whose first children's book,
Different Just Like Me, was featured on
The Oprah Winfrey Show and
Today and was an American Booksellers Association Kids Pick of the Lists 1999. She lives in San Diego, California.