This lovely, sensitive and insightful picture book could massively boost the number of young children deciding to become florists. Juhi loves helping her Appa (dad) in their flower shop, choosing the perfect flowers to convey thoughts and sentiment: she knows the language of love and celebration and as a result she also knows everything that’s happening on her street – weddings, the arrival of a new baby, all of it.
Her favourite customer is Mr Potter, who is always full of stories and jokes, living life to the full. When Mr Potter dies, Juhi knows just how she wants to remember him and creates a bouquet out of the brightest flowers to celebrate everything she loved in him.
The vibrant illustrations and a beautifully understated story convey so much, and how exciting too to learn about flowers and what they can signify.
Juhi loves helping her Appa sell flowers to the local community. In Appa's flower shop, Juhi knows the language of love - lilies for adoration, irises for hugs and kisses. She knows the language of faith - frangipani for full moon days, red hibiscus for the temple. But when Appa tells her that her favourite customer has passed away, she does not know the language of grief. What flowers will she choose to remember a man who was always so full of life?
A moving story about grief, self-expression, and finding reasons to celebrate even at life's toughest moments.
'Smith’s spare but graceful prose is brought to life by Asis’ vibrant artwork. Juhi’s ability to communicate complex emotions in nonverbal ways is a joy to behold. A touching tale of love, community, and expression.' – Kirkus Review
Author
About Shyala Smith
Shyala Smith is a content strategist, author, and screenwriter whose stories center around navigating immigrant life and finding magic. Born and raised in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Shyala now lives in London with her family.
