Weekend Update and Book Reviews - A Rose Named Peace: How Francis Meilland Created a Flower of Hope for a World at War; Barbara Carroll Roberts - Celia Planted a Garden: Story of Celia Thaxter and Her Island; Phyllis Root & Gary D. Schmidt

A Rose Named Peace: How Francis Meilland Created a Flower of Hope for a World at War

Barbara Carroll Roberts  (Ill. Bagram Ibatoulline)

Candlewick Press - 2022

Anyone who has an affinity for roses has probably called the "Peace Rose" one of their favorites.  Francis Meilland was born in France in the early 19th century.  As a young boy he enjoyed gardening and roses in particular. Experimenting with cross-pollination and grafting, he was able to cultivate a new variety around the time World War II broke out. He managed to send clippings to growers around the world and some six years later he learned from many his efforts were a huge success.  "Peace was the name given to it by a rose grower named Robert Pyle from The United States.

This was such a lovely book and, isn't "peace" around the world something we need more of?  I loved this book for many reasons: wonderful true story, loveliest of watercolor illustrations and, a book that reminded me of my mother who had a gorgeous rose garden--(the "peace rose" was always her favorite.

A lovely book that is not just for children.

Rating - 5/5 star

 Celia Planted a Garden: Story of Celia Thaxter and Her Island; Phyllis Root & Gary D. Schmidt

Candlewick Press - 2022 (ages 5-9)

Another lovely summertime book that tells the story of Celia Thaxter a 19th century poet, painter and avid gardener. She grew up in Portsmouth, NH and later relocated with her family to White Island, off the coast of New Hampshire and Maine when her father became the keeper of the lighthouse there.  When Celia was 12 her father built a resort hotel on Apple Dove Island with worldwide visitors which include Hawthorne and Longfellow and Whittier. Celia played a large role in the gardening design which included some 70+ varieties of flowers while continuing to work on her poetry and painting.

This would make a great addition for nature lovers and poetry fans. The pastel illustrations evocative of the summer landscape are lovely. I also enjoyed samples of Celia's poetry. Her personal story was interesting and her love of gardening, nature art and poetry share within this book gives readers a feel for why spending summer in Maine draws people from all over the world - a magical place to visit.

RATING - 5/5 stars

NOTE: Both of these books were sent to me by Candlewick Press in exchange for my unbiased reviews.

Still Need to Review

5/5 stars - hated to see it end

so different - took a lot of brain power in an off week

4/5 stars

Currently Listening To

pretty good at 24% mark

pretty good at 54% mark - Barrie Krenik is a great narrator

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