Tisha and the Blossom by Wendy Meddour illustrated by Daniel Egnéus

"I think my favourite days are full of blossom and a bit of slowing down."

Every now and then I read a book that I just want to gift to everyone. Tisha and the Blossom is one of those books. 

Tisha's day is full of rushing. Rushing to get off to school. Rushing to catch the bus. Rushing from one school class or task to the next. Finally at the end of the day Tisha has had enough. She asks her mum if they could just walk home - slowly. And they do. On the way they see things - really see things - like the birds and colours and funny things like hats and sausage dogs. Once they arrive home mum suggests they have a picnic for dinner and while they are sitting outside Tisha finally has time to catch the blossoms she saw falling from the tree earlier that morning.

There are two poignant moments in this book - one when we see Tisha trying to count the spots on a ladybird in the school playground - but before she can get past three she is interrupted because it is time to eat. And near the end of the story we see Tisha with her mum and dad dancing under the blossom tree - no words - just a page of joy!

This book was published in 2021 and it is still available in paperback for a very good price. In the US this book has a slightly different title - Tisha and the Blossoms! If you need a wonderful gift for a teacher or for a family with young children, I think this one is perfect - yes it has a 'message' but it is an important message told with a light touch and wonderful illustrations. 

You can see inside this book here. 

A sweet reminder to pause and ponder life’s everyday wonders. Kirkus

Meddour uses gentle dialogue and winsome description to dial the story, and its early frantic pages, back down into a soothing tone and cadence where this tranquil family interaction can bloom. Egnéus’s illustrations are lush, and include a variety of perspectives and points of view, including a delicious scene of Tisha nose-to-nose with a ladybug. Combine that with eye-popping spreads festooned with blossoming trees that evoke all the meandering wonder and play this little protagonist desires, and his work here is downright honor worthy.  School Library Journal

Here is the website for Wendy Meddour. And here are some books illustrated by Daniel Egnéus. Born in 1972 in Sweden, Daniel Egnéus has spent 20 years in Prague, London, Berlin, Bologna, Rome, Milano and has now made Athens his base. 

In this interview Daniel Egnéus talks about his book Lubna and Pebble

Raven Child and the Snow Witch

The Thing

Fox A Circle of life Story