By Alice Hemming, illustrated by Nicola Slater
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2023
Picture book, 32 pages, ages 2-5
It’s spring, and Squirrel isn’t sure he likes it. But he does like the flower growing in between Bird’s tree and his, and because it’s closer to Squirrel’s tree, he decides it’s his flower. And he’s going to take care of it: building the flower a house so it won’t blow away, putting an umbrella over it to keep it from getting wet, shooing away a bee, and keeping it safe by putting a bucket over it. But when something’s wrong with the flower, Bird explains that it needs air and light and space. Will Squirrel take Bird’s advice? And what happens to the flower when he does?
A cute story about friends, a flower, and being a friend to flowers.
Don’t Touch That Flower, a sequel to The Leaf Thief, is full of wonderful characters and vibrant, retro-inspired illustrations. Told mostly in dialog, it’s a simple story with an earth-friendly heart. There is definitely a strong message of caring for the earth, one that nature lovers will appreciate.
Back matter provides additional information about the essential role flowers play in an ecosystem, the importance of pollinators, and how we can be a friend to flowers.
Will kids like this book? Budding environmentalists will. And while most kids will probably find the story interesting enough to read once, I’m not sure how many will ask for multiple reads. It might not hold the attention of kids who like action-packed books.
Themes: botany, caring for the planet, sharing
Don’t Touch That Flower! By Alice Hemming receives 4 stars from this reviewer.