Product Description
A charming story about a girl who learns a beloved family tradition and the symbolism behind the Mexican flower crown, from two Pura Belpré award-winning creators.
Today is Corina’s birthday, and she’s excited to wear the biggest crown with the most beautiful flowers picked from her abuela’s garden.
Each flower tells a special story about all the ways Corina is rooted in the family she loves.
With elegant and eye-catching illustrations from award-winning artist Elisa Chavarri, this charming story shares a beloved family tradition through one girl’s journey of self-discovery as she learns about the symbolism behind the Mexican flower crown.
From School Library Journal
K-Gr 2—It is Corina's birthday, and as a special gift, she is able to select her favorite flowers from Abuela's garden to use to make her corona. With help from Abuela, Corina learns about selecting flowers that hold special meaning to her, which will help tell the story of who she is. Corina thinks about her family and selects flowers that remind her of them: sunflowers, morning glories, coneflowers, and more. She also makes sure to select blooms that symbolize who Corina would like to be. Corina's crown of flowers is finally ready as her birthday guests arrive, and she shares the story of her corona and thinks about her family and their story long into the night. Lush watercolor illustrations showcase Abuela's garden and the joy that is bursting inside of Corina. Colorful and vivid spreads welcome readers to the garden and the celebrations, sharing the beauty of Corina's world and the love shared with family and friends. The text follows Corina and Abuela as they enjoy this important time together, with Corina asking Abuela about the corona as she explores the garden, and Abuela sharing the importance of family. VERDICT A gorgeous picture book celebrating tradition, family, and memories. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.—Selenia Paz
Review
* “A gorgeous picture book celebrating tradition, family, and memories. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.”―SLJ, starred review
“Highlighting seasonal cycles and the natural passage of time, it’s a lushly told story that emphasizes the role of the past in the present and future.” ―Publishers Weekly
“Lush botanical illustrations are paired with a timeless message about the importance of family….A heartwarming story blooming with tenderness.”―Kirkus
“Kemp smoothly melds the corporeal with the intangible, lingering over the physical sensations of brushing past flowers, smelling their scent…Chavarri’s use of vivid watercolors in hazy, dream-like brushstrokes adds to the wistful warmth and movement of the story.”―BCCB
"Kemp movingly uses the setting of Abuela's flower garden to encourage young readers to explore their roots and who they might want to be....A warm meditation on family, perfect for sharing with a grandparent."
―Booklist
About the Author
Laekan Zea Kemp is the author of Pura Belpré Honor book Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet, Heartbreak Symphony, and Omega Morales and the Legend of La Lechuza. She lives in Austin, Texas. A Crown for Corina is her picture book debut. Laekan invites you to visit her at laekanzeakemp.com or follow her on Twitter @LaekanZeaKemp.
Elisa Chavarri is the artist of Pura Belpré Honor Book Sharuko: El Arqueólogo Peruano / Peruvian Archaeologist Julio C. Tello by Monica Brown. She graduated with honors from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Elisa was born in Peru and raised mostly in northern Michigan, where she still lives with her husband and their two children. She invites you to visit her at elisachavarri.com.
