Just take a look at this cover to get a feel for the mood of a picture book that surely will become a cherished part of your Christmas collection. As you have most likely guessed, the giving flower is the one you have likely called poinsettia – and maybe argued over the pronunciation.
Alda Dobbs takes us back through history with the many twists and turns this flower has taken before becoming the much loved traditional plant. She includes fascinating legends, historical accounts, and scientific background entwined in the repeated line “wait and see” that will intrigue children and the adult who is reading to them. Both will learn that this is a well-traveled plant that picked up stories as it went along. (If you don’t have a child nearby, feel free to read it for yourself. Trust me, you will enjoy and learn from the book.)
Emily Mendoza who illustrated the book keeps the fun in the pictures she drew that feel like a proper accompaniment to the feel of the storyline.
The book comes out today on September 2 which means there will be time for many repeat readings to become acquainted with the lore of the poinsettia before Christmas. How many? We will just have to wait and see.