www.FlashlightPress.com
Holly Bloom's Garden
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.
Hardcover, 32 color pages, ages 4-8, ISBN 9780972922500, Spring 2004
NEW in Paperback, ISBN 9780979975601, April 2008
Available at your favorite bookseller or  
through:
Click here for a Holly Bloom's Garden
Activity Guide
To see more images from inside
"Holly Bloom's Garden" click
here.
Awards and Review Highlights

* A Pennsylvania Young Readers Choice Award 2005-2006 nominee (K-3)

* 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   

"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...
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