Thank you to netgalley for providing me with a free digital advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Title: Flower Girl
Author: Amy Bloom
Illustrator: Jameela Wahlgren
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Publication Date: May 2, 2023
Book Description:
From celebrated and best-selling author Amy Bloom comes a jubilant story of self-love, individuality, and gender expression.
Nicki’s favorite aunt is getting married, and Nicki is excited to be the Flower Girl: she is all in for love and pretty petals. But when the family goes shopping to find outfits for the wedding, Nicki doesn’t feel like herself in any of the dresses her mom and aunt pick out for her, and all her happiness and excitement for the wedding evaporates. Nicki must find her voice—and her own style of expression to match it—to make Aunt Carmela’s big day absolutely perfect.
Infused with intelligence and charm and complemented by art by Jameela Wahlgren that’s as warm and tender as a hug, Flower Girl celebrates the magic of finding the clothes that help us shine.
My Thoughts:
This book has a great message that is a lesson to children and adults alike. Nicki is excited to be a flower girl, but she’s “not really a dress kind of girl”. Instead of pushing her to wear a dress, her family helps her to find the outfit that will make her shine. I love the way Nicki’s family embraces her individuality. Wonderful story with a wonderful message.