Flora's Wish

by Fiona Halliday

In this lyrical and visually stunning picture book, a young mouse learns how to grieve and honor her best friend

Flora the field mouse was a boldly whiskered lion-tamer! Although it wasn’t very hard to be bold and brave with her best friend Lion (a dandelion) by her side. But as the seasons change, Lion’s whiskers go from a bright yellow to shimmering silver, until one day, he scatters in the wind completely. Can Flora still be brave without Lion by her side?

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Grief, Nature, Friendship, Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2023

Reviews

[Jeremy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Personally, I think the central message about grief gets obscured by treacly poetic indulgence. But it's a very sensitive work, with delicate care taken in the artwork.

[Octavia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I chose this book which is featured on our public library's website for Children's Grief Awareness Month.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, what delightful illustrations, full of verve and bright colors that animate the beautiful world of nature, its amazing creations, and the dramatic changes of seasonal and life cycles! And the story conveys such profound messages, too. Mouse’s unusual friendship with Dandelion champions the importance of diversity in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Dandelion’s transformation from flower to seed is such a lovely way to introduce the concept of death. Mouse’s grief journey skillfully depicts the vital role of community in dealing with the losses inherent in the growth cycle. The result is a powerful manifesto for environmental stewardship and a psalm to soothe the grieving heart. Bravo!

[Olga Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enchanting story with wonderful illustrations

It makes you dream immersed in nature, go back to childhood. A book to be treasured, pure poetry and charming illustrations.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Fiona Halliday and Penguin Random House for a copy of Flora's Wish that I won in an online contest. I don't give away spoilers in my reviews.
I loved the cover, title and blurb of this book. Flora and the surrounding nature are so beautifully drawn.
The story is a little sad, but explained in such way for children to understand. It's very sweet and touching.

[Lannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars. This story is so sweet and beautifully lyrical. The poetic storytelling is heartfelt and subtly weaves in themes of love and loss and uncertainty and ends with a warm uplifting note without being saccharine. This book is raw and organic. Small but mighty, just like Flora. Highly recommend.

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cutest mouse ever!

If you're looking for more picture books that tackle topics of grief and loss as well as the circle of life then look no further. This was a little sadder than I anticipated, but I loved the way Halliday beautifully handled these subject matters. The artwork was a beautiful compliment to the story.

[A.J. Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fiona Halliday has once again created an unforgettable world with her exquisite illustrations and gorgeous text. FLORA’S WISH explores the seasons of life in such a unique and powerful way. This tender friendship story will ignite your imagination and tug at your heart. A truly special picture book!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

this story is so precious I could cry.

the illustrations are gorgeous and the messages about loss, grief, and renewal were sweet and beautiful, a great introduction to children about such emotional topics.

[Susan Waltman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most adorable book ever!! Love the illustrations. The little mouse actually looks fuzzy.

[Chantel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story and illustrations about a mouse and her friend lion(dandelion).

[Patricia Q · Rating 4 out of 5]

That is the cutest mouse ever.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such beautiful pictures, with a gentle and hopeful depiction of dealing with loss and change.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a beautifully illustrated book about friendship and bravery.

Found in L4L Volume 92.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful picture book that my 5 year old grandson and I wanted to read together twice. Messages about love and loss.

[Briana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute

[Xpiotiva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooooo sweet. *quietly weeps*

[Pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flora braves the storm and finds warmth with her friend Scarecrow.

[R. L. Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was the most adorable little animal fantasy about the seasons ever! I absolutely loved it!

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet story, with the loveliest illustrations. A definite read for the little people in your life.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations

[Christine D · Rating 3 out of 5]

the illustrations are so cute! you can feel the fuzzy!

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flora the Mouse loves her best friend, Lion, who is a...dandelion? Flora has such an affection for Lion that she becomes incredibly distressed when Lion becomes "old" and turns to a puff. As the puff begins to blow away, Scarecrow urges Flora to make a wish. She wishes for Lion to come back, but he doesn't. Scarecrow keeps Flora safe while she prepares for the harsh winter. When she emerges in the spring she finds lots more dandelions and immediately takes them under her wing.

This book received high praise in reviews. However, I question it's application in real life. Children aren't going to understand the pictures and that the "lion" is a weed.