The giving flower The story of the poinsettia

In this comprehensive picture book, Dobbs and Mendoza share the history and lore of the flower known as both poinsettia and flor de nochebuena. The book begins with the Nahuas, who called the plant cuetlaxochitl and used it for medicinal and decorative purposes. Centuries later, during Spanish colonization, the flower appeared in a religious folktale about Pepita, a humble child who experiences a Christmas miracle. Following Mexico's independence, U.S. ambassador to Mexico Joel Roberts Poinsett, an amateur botanist, sends cuttings of the plant back home, where it is named after him. Landscape-dominant digital illustrations are sprigged with the subject's often-red bracts, while factual lines alternate with reiterative lyrical phrases, building to an inspirational takeaway: "Once you find... beauty, make it flourish, then give it back to the world." Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. A contextualizing history and timeline conclude. A Spanish-language edition publishes simultaneously. Ages 4--8. (Sept.)

K-Gr 3--This stellar nonfiction book traces the horticultural history of Poinsettias in four parts. Cultivated by ancient Nahuas, known as cuetlaxochitl, it has medicinal, dye, and decorative use. Naturally found throughout Mexico and Guatemala, it has strong ties to Mexican history, legend, and culture. Dobbs traces the original arrival in the United States, modern cultivation of potted Poinsettias, the rise in use during Christmas, symbolism, anatomy, and color varieties. The work is divided into a narrative in lyrical prose, an expanded history section, an illustrated time line on Poinsettia history, and a page on the different names for the flower. The information, illustrations, characters, and narrative are consistent and cohesive throughout. Mendoza's digital illustrations are brimming with bright colors and warmth. Her depiction of indigenous Nahuas is respectful and appropriate for the depicted time period. Her illustrations and color palette are cohesive throughout; she even cleverly references characters and moments from earlier in the book in small details. Dobbs's translation of her book creates great consistency between the two editions. The simultaneous publication of the English and Spanish editions provides a wonderful opportunity for cultural connection. This nonfiction book mixes garden history and cultural history in a lyrical picture book that is accessible to children and families. VERDICT A necessary addition to children's English and Spanish nonfiction collections in school and public libraries.--Nicole Gaudier-Alemany