That doesn’t mean the science is in-depth or complex. Instead, Kuri’s story of Bloomie’s journey to blooming outside on top of the cactus prioritizes the emotional journey, depicting an already fully formed Bloomie making their way through wispy and wavy swaths of green inside the cactus while seeking moisture and trying to find sun. (Adult readers may find themselves explaining some of what precisely the book is depicting.) Still, the hardscrabble nature of desert life comes across with clarity and power, as does the lesson that a thriving life takes effort: “With a little will power / Oh what I can do!”
Bloomie Blooms shines as a tool for social emotional learning, especially for young ones who would benefit from seeing flexibility and perseverance in action. Stassen’s watercolor-like illustrations and aqua and teal color palette reinforce the message of flow in subtle ways, adding another layer of meaning to the story. The pages are alive with greens and blues inside the cactus, and burst with dazzling sunlight when Bloomie at last buds outside. Bloomie’s cheerful face and intrepid spirit lead up to a triumphant and radiant conclusion, showing that hard work does pay off. Bloomie Blooms is an approachable and rewarding-to-return-to addition to anyone looking for a nudge of encouragement to bloom.
Takeaway: This charming tale of a persistent bloom’s journey will inspire young readers.
Great for fans of: Marianne Dubuc’s And Then the Seed Grew, Laura Purdie Salas’s A Leaf Can Be . . .
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Bloomie Blooms by Isabel Kuri
Illustrated by Nicorene Stassen
What's it About?
A heartwarming tale of a beautiful bloom and her journey of self-discovery.
One integral part of children’s books is the messages we find inside the characters’ stories. I have specific core memories of my favorite children’s books and the lessons I would learn from the characters. To this day, I’m still trying my best to apply them in my adult life. I know that if I had read Bloomie Blooms as a kid, its message would have stuck with me as well.
Bloomie Blooms (Calelei Productions) by Isabel Kuri is a heartwarming tale of a beautiful bloom and her journey of self-discovery. This bloom might be small, but she sure is mighty!
From her first raindrop, she is hit with the inspiration and zest for life; no matter what is thrown at her, she finds a way to persevere. Despite the winds that would rattle her delicate petals, she found a way to dig deep to hold on. Even as an adult, you can appreciate what Bloomie is telling us.
Not only is the story precious, but the illustrations by Nicorene Stassen are whimsical and fantastic! Bloomie is so sweet with her vibrant colors, sweeping petals, and adorable smile!
Dance in the Breeze
Books like Bloomie Blooms are so important; they teach children and (remind adults) that although life can be difficult at times, we can’t give up. As we grow and find our purpose, we will run into hardships that will make it feel like continuing is an impossible task. As life throws us these inevitable curve balls, we will learn to adapt to our environment and come out the other side, blooming into the person we were always meant to be!
With the world in its current state, it’s so easy to get online or read the paper and become overwhelmed by the grabbing headlines that seem to get worse as the days go on. It’s times like these when Bloomie’s message is so important: While the journey isn’t easy, it is rewarding and beautiful. Enjoy the bright and shining sun, dance in the breeze and go with the flow.
About the Author & Illustrator:
Author Isabel Kuri loves to write. Writing is her favorite window into possibility. She writes what she sees from her window into the world.
Illustrator Nicorene Stassen is fascinated by magic and fiction. She enjoys bringing these stories to life, adding little specks to magic to our world one brushstroke at a time.
