Holly Bloom's Garden
Written by Sarah Ashman and Nancy Parent, Illustrated by Lori Mitchell
Written by Sarah Ashman and Nancy Parent, Illustrated by Lori Mitchell
Holly Bloom wants to be a great gardener but she doesn’t seem to have the knack. Despite
suggestions and support from her mom Iris, and her siblings Bud and Rose – all great flower-
growers – Holly just can't seem to get her garden to bloom. She tries water and fertilizer,
uses all the right tools, even paints her thumb green, but her daisies keep drooping. Through
trial-and-error and with great perseverance, Holly finally realizes that she does not need to
grow flowers with soil and seeds. Inspired by her artistic father, she taps into her natural
creative abilities and surprises everyone by “growing” her own unique flowers from paper and
paste, pipe cleaners and paint, and best of all, these flowers are made especially by Holly
Bloom.
The cover image of Holly measuring herself against a tall sunflower encapsulates her yearning
to see how she measures up against the excellent gardeners in her family. This charming book
uses playful language to teach plenty about gardening, but more about the joy of being
yourself and finding your own true talents – even if that makes you a late bloomer.
suggestions and support from her mom Iris, and her siblings Bud and Rose – all great flower-
growers – Holly just can't seem to get her garden to bloom. She tries water and fertilizer,
uses all the right tools, even paints her thumb green, but her daisies keep drooping. Through
trial-and-error and with great perseverance, Holly finally realizes that she does not need to
grow flowers with soil and seeds. Inspired by her artistic father, she taps into her natural
creative abilities and surprises everyone by “growing” her own unique flowers from paper and
paste, pipe cleaners and paint, and best of all, these flowers are made especially by Holly
Bloom.
The cover image of Holly measuring herself against a tall sunflower encapsulates her yearning
to see how she measures up against the excellent gardeners in her family. This charming book
uses playful language to teach plenty about gardening, but more about the joy of being
yourself and finding your own true talents – even if that makes you a late bloomer.
32 color pages, ages 4-8
Hardcover, ISBN 9780972922504
Paperback, ISBN 9780979975601
Hardcover, ISBN 9780972922504
Paperback, ISBN 9780979975601
Praise for Holly Bloom's Garden
* Selected as an Accelerated Reader book
"...a satisfying resolution to a story of perseverance and self-discovery." Sally R. Dow, School Library Journal
"...a sweet story about a young girl who persists despite multiple failures, finally finding her own unique way to shine.... pleasing to the ear,
eye, and mind." Dawn Elizabeth Hunt, Children's Literature
"...the story will resonate with children who may have problems standing out in a family or who haven't found the activity they shine at yet."
Ilene Cooper, Booklist
"Holly Bloom wants to be a great gardener, but everything she touches seems to die. When her father helps her understand different ways
of creating a garden, Holly discovers her own approach." Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's Media
"Gentle illustrations...evoke Holly's struggle and celebrate her unique solution. ...Young readers facing a difficult goal will be encouraged to
think outside the box, just like Holly Bloom." Paula Morrow, Bureau County Republican
"...Colorfully illustrated...[with] a surprise and happy ending." Sacramento Bee
"Perfect for the child struggling to find his or her own talent." Metro Parent Magazine
"...a picture storybook for young readers about Holly's horticultural learning curve." Associated Press
"...a charming tale...full of vibrant illustrations..." Family Journal
"...an enchanting story about creativity and perseverance. It is also a story that teaches children to embrace their differences and to build
upon their own talents." LargePrintReviews.com
"Beautifully illustrated with a simple text and a warm message, this picture book is a real treasure."
LookingGlassReview.com
"...creates a warm and comforting place for young readers." MyShelf.com
"...a wonderful book filled with beautiful illustrations... a great read and an ideal addition to a child’s collection."
thewritersroom.com
"I would definitely recommend this book, especially if your child is having a hard time thinking outside the box."
Saplings Magazine.com
See all reviews...
* Selected as an Accelerated Reader book
"...a satisfying resolution to a story of perseverance and self-discovery." Sally R. Dow, School Library Journal
"...a sweet story about a young girl who persists despite multiple failures, finally finding her own unique way to shine.... pleasing to the ear,
eye, and mind." Dawn Elizabeth Hunt, Children's Literature
"...the story will resonate with children who may have problems standing out in a family or who haven't found the activity they shine at yet."
Ilene Cooper, Booklist
"Holly Bloom wants to be a great gardener, but everything she touches seems to die. When her father helps her understand different ways
of creating a garden, Holly discovers her own approach." Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's Media
"Gentle illustrations...evoke Holly's struggle and celebrate her unique solution. ...Young readers facing a difficult goal will be encouraged to
think outside the box, just like Holly Bloom." Paula Morrow, Bureau County Republican
"...Colorfully illustrated...[with] a surprise and happy ending." Sacramento Bee
"Perfect for the child struggling to find his or her own talent." Metro Parent Magazine
"...a picture storybook for young readers about Holly's horticultural learning curve." Associated Press
"...a charming tale...full of vibrant illustrations..." Family Journal
"...an enchanting story about creativity and perseverance. It is also a story that teaches children to embrace their differences and to build
upon their own talents." LargePrintReviews.com
"Beautifully illustrated with a simple text and a warm message, this picture book is a real treasure."
LookingGlassReview.com
"...creates a warm and comforting place for young readers." MyShelf.com
"...a wonderful book filled with beautiful illustrations... a great read and an ideal addition to a child’s collection."
thewritersroom.com
"I would definitely recommend this book, especially if your child is having a hard time thinking outside the box."
Saplings Magazine.com
See all reviews...
| Picture Books That Explore and Illuminate |
AWARDS & HONORS
Pennsylvania Young Readers Choice Award list 2005-2006 (K-3)
Pennsylvania Young Readers Choice Award list 2005-2006 (K-3)