A Season of Flowers by Michael Garland

Snowdrops and crocuses yield to tulips and hyacinths, then dogwood blossoms, iris, lupine, daisies, morning glories, daylilies, geraniums, peonies, sunflowers, roses, and chrysanthemums as spring passes to summer, then autumn. At last the garden slumbers into winter under a blanket of snow, preparing next year’s procession of blooms. Like actors crossing a stage, flowers narrate the passing seasons in the first person, each one briefly proclaiming its unique and vital role in the natural world. Backmatter descriptions complete this child’s introduction to a garden year, in which the passage of time is vividly realized.

"Gently following the seasons, Garland introduces each flower, and an animal or insect that it attracts, in rhyming couplets... Layered, fabriclike patterns enrich vibrant illustrations of flora and fauna; in one spread, houndstooth and windowpane plaid make up the twilight sky, as a moon made of gingham and Chinese dragon–printed fabric hangs above thin iris stalks. A season-oriented introduction to blooms and their qualities."
― PW

PreS-Gr 2 -This book takes readers on a journey through the seasons exploring the blossoming of flowers. Garland pairs the short rhyming text with beautiful and eye-catching illustrations created by a digital collage technique he developed. ("Snowdrop and Crocus. We are the earliest flowers of spring. Robins devour the bugs that we bring.") Each page shows a seasonal flower(s) in full bloom and the wildlife that's attracted to its fragrance and color. The text could easily supplement units on seasons and plants for younger readers or serve as an early introduction to life science. Librarians and parents alike will reach for this title as spring and summer come around. Back matter contains more detailed information about each bud mentioned and a summary of the life of a flower. VERDICT A solid purchase for collections in need of a fresh option for season-themed storytimes.  --School Library Journal Express