The Language of Flowers

Probably the most beautiful book of the spring, The Language of Flowers by Dena Seiferling is not only beautifully illustrated, it’s a gentle and kind story about a little bee and the flowers.

Beatrice is a little bee gifted to the flowers of the meadow. They keep her safe and warm and in return she learns their language and delivers their messages. She does such a good job that the flowers of the meadow flourish and she needs some help. So begins her harrowing journey to find more bees.

Not only does Dena Seiferling deliver a message about the importance of bees to the ecosystem in her beautiful authorial debut, she also teaches readers of the various meanings of the flowers we encounter every spring and summer. The messages remind me of a YA novel I read earlier this spring, Tahira in Bloom by Farah Heron, in which one of the characters is well acquainted with the meanings of different flowers.

Dena Seiferling has an obvious affinity for flowers and the book feels incredibly well researched. There is even lovely back matter with illustrations of all the flowers in the story and their possible meanings. She even invites readers to go on a story hunt to find the flowers within the pages and their own backyards.

The story is told to readers in a sort of a letter, starting with Dear Reader, giving it an oral, story telling feel that invites readers into its cozy cocoon. It’s a story that just begs for you to get really comfortable, grab a blanket and cuddle up. Alternatively, to take the story out on a picnic in a meadow teaming with flowers for an immersive storytelling experience.

Dena Seiferling illustrations are so attractive. They are soft and muted. For a story about flowers, you would expect the pages to be filled with vibrant, eye popping colour. Such is the charm of this book, the colours are muted, the flowers are soft and Beatrice is a sweet fuzzy little thing. There is a beautiful magic in her work that holds you under its spell.