Just in time for the holidays our local, award winning author Alda P. Dobbs unwraps her new book “The Giving Flower.” The illustrations are warm, vibrant, and creative. The poinsettias legend is rooted deeply in Mexico’s culture starting way back with the Aztecs. Really, it’s a weeds to riches story. The mysterious evolution of this now globally favorite flower that blooms in winter is finally revealed under the cover of this children’s book. This Christmas story teaches about history, culture and botany. As we come forward in time toward present day, we learn about all the pivot points where The Christmas Flower gained colors and notoriety throughout the world.
The story is fascinating for children and adults. Younger kids will need help with sounding out some of the larger words.
A younger reader Luke Bratton (left) commented, “I really like the fact that it started out like kid’s story and ended up telling the actual history of the flower” Jaxon Staples his friend, loved the book and thought, “it was cool that the Poinsettia was used for so many different things like medicine and clothing dye” Luke's dad, was surprised to find out how many different colors this flower came in now and how the made it bloom longer. It was fascinating how the flower's fame grew so quickly from it's appearance on the tonight show and other television programs during the holidays calling it the "Christmas Flower." It quickly became a holiday mainstay on T.V. programs and at home holiday celebrations.
It’s rare to find a book that is so entertaining for both kids and adults at the same time. After reading this anyone encountering a poinsettia trivia contest will be well trained. Alda's prior book, Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna, a children's historical novel, was named Book of the Year by National Public Radio and the New York Public Library. So, she is a well respected author of childrens books.