"The adults did not
adore the fluffball
flower.
Its tall stem and
long leaves did not
impress them.
Its soft blossom did
not delight them."
My friend Patti will love this book and its message for readers.
It's recess, and everyone is enjoying their time together outside the classroom. The activities are familiar: climbing, sliding, hopscotch, soccer, hand games, reading, chatting. Sam is the first to notice a green plant with a yellow flower growing in a crack in the yard's surface. How on earth does it grow right there?
Sam continues to spend time watching the plant at every recess. She sings to it, and has great admiration for its grit to grow and flourish. When a bright yellow flower bursts forth, it can no longer be ignored. The other kids are as keen as Sam to watch it bloom. They marvel at its beauty. They water it, play games with it, and provide protection from harm.
"With all that love and attention,
the flower flourished.
Its vibrant yellow illuminated every
dark corner of the playground."
When it sprouted its dreamy puffball, the kids were even more delighted. Only then, as the child watchers dreamed of making wishes, did the adults step in and complain. They saw no magic in what they termed a weed. The custodian was dispatched to remove it. The children were distraught. As they watched, a long line of adults work together to try to dislodge it. When the very large principal added his strength, the roots were pulled free, and the fluff floated away.
It was heartbreaking for Sam ... until September! She didn't tell anyone about the discoveries she was making then.
Kids so often see what adults cannot. If you are a mom or a teacher, you have been the recipient of a lovely bouquet of spring flowers from many of your students. They see its beauty and its magic.
"A weed is simply a plant whose virtues we haven't yet discovered.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
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