“Look at this flower,” Tutu said. “It’s finding a way to live despite being surrounded by concrete. Just like nature, we can learn to adapt too. Change can be difficult but we can always find a way to grow. Life might not be the same as it was, or even how we like it, but it’s always OK in the end.”
Losing a grandparent is hard. Learning to live without them is difficult. Loss often leads to changes and facing changes in our day to day life can lead to anxiety. Loss can lead to fear and fear can lead to stress, stress can lead to cross words and arguments. Life can be so hard. It can be especially hard for children to know how to cope with loss and change. Stories can be a wonderful way to show children that their worries are normal. Their feelings are valid and that it really is okay to not be okay.
In this brilliant story written by Laura Dockrill and published by Barrington Stoke we meet Blossom and her parents at a difficult time. They are all adjusting to life without Blossom’s grandparents, her Tutu and Pops.
Their house is overflowing with plants and flowers from the family market stall. The pride and joy of Tutu and Pops, that Blossom hopes to run one day. For now it has passed to Blossom’s parents and it is causing upset as they put their lives on hold to run the stall.
People come to Tutu and Pops’ market stall to find flowers for all occasions – from celebrating love to offering comfort in times of sorrow. But now the stall is at risk as Blossom’s parents argue about the future.
The market stall is a magical place at the heart of a rich community of botanists, florists and plant enthusiasts. A community of people who all knew and loved Blossom’s grandparents and now look out for Blossom and look after her at the market, welcome her and give her special treats. One of our favourite parts of this story is exploring Peacham Garden Flower Market with Blossom.
We also love how Blossom talks to Tutu Plant, a little aloe vera plant that her Grandma gave to her before she died. Blossom takes it with her everywhere and talks to it about her life and her feelings. It is a very sweet connection and one that young readers can relate to.
Another of our favourite things about this brilliant little book is the wonderful illustrations by Sara Ogilvie who also draws one of Bea and Edie’s favourite characters, Izzy Gizmo. We absolutely love the characterisation of Blossom and the foliage filled pages.
This heartfelt story shows Blossom and her parents finding ways to cope with the dramatic changes in their family life. It shows them facing their fears and their worries. Blossom shows the family talking to each other and growing together, making this a perfect story for Children’s Mental Health Week 2022, and a story for all homes and classrooms at all times.
“Some people would say it’s a blessing when we break into pieces – it gives us the chance to rebuild.”