Krina’s book is one of those very special books that invites
readers to slow down and really look. And before you even open it, the cover
demands attention. It is a magnificent work of art that could quite happily be
framed!
Inside, Krina introduces us to 24 flower species, each
celebrated in a beautiful haiku. You can read the book from beginning to end,
enjoying the rhythm and imagery of each poem, or you can linger on a single
flower and spend time noticing the exquisite details in the words and
illustrations.
The illustrations really encourage you to look again.
The vibrant artwork is packed with details that provide a
wonderful springboard for conversation and discovery. Flowers, plants, colour,
shape, weather, animals, clothing, cultures, celebrations and locations are all
woven through the pages. There is so much to notice, wonder about and
investigate.
I can imagine a child finishing this book and immediately
wanting to head outside with a camera to photograph the flowers they discover
nearby. That is the magic of a book like this. It doesn’t simply tell us about
the natural world. It makes us curious about our own world.
For teachers, this book is a treasure trove of
possibilities. Every page could become a mentor text for writing, particularly
when exploring imagery, word choice, observation and haiku. The double-page
spread of fun facts is an incredible resource for research and could lead learners
into their own investigations about flowers, plants and the natural world.
Another layer is what I particularly love. Krina connects
the book with the Five Ways to Wellbeing: connect, be active, take notice,
keep learning and give. Suddenly this is more than a book about flowers. It
becomes an invitation to step outside, notice what is around us, learn
something new and share our discoveries with others.
At home, take the book outside and see what you can find. At
school, use a page as a starting point for poetry, science, research or art.
Ask children to choose one flower and become the expert. What can they notice?
What can they discover? What questions does the flower inspire?
Watch Me Bloom is a book to read, revisit and explore
slowly. Most importantly, it may change the way young readers see the world
around them.
Read it. Notice. Wonder. Investigate. Then head outside
and see what you can find blooming.
Title: Watch Me Bloom - A Bouquet of Haiku Poems for Budding Naturalists
Author/Illustrator: Krina Patel-Sage
Publisher: Lantana
Publication Date: 1 September 2026
Format: Hard Cover
ISBN: 9781913747992
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book
