Kirkus Reviews

With an assist from author Paxmann and translator Michael, "Hajek has chosen to tell the stories of some of our most amazing plants, using words and illustrations to spark our imaginations."That's what the introduction asserts, and the book delivers. It is perfect for browsing; open at any point, and a double-page spread offers a complete package of informative, often humorous, text on the verso and whimsical, colorful art on the recto. As the endnotes explain, all pages are deliberately treated to appear as if painted on wood. Nevertheless, the print-including colored headings and teaser questions-is easy to read. The text, dexterously translated from German, unabashedly relates the (Eurocentric) histories of Hajek's chosen flowers. The art follows suit with its highly stylized, folk-art–inspired images of mostly white people garbed in fashions from earlier centuries. The exceptions are a graceful depiction of an Indian woman with ginger-since the root arrived in Europe via India-and tattooed people who might represent South Americans or Pacific Islanders with the pineapple. Each plant's story is unique, but all give bits of history, folklore, and science. Some fascinating facts relate how modern science has confirmed nearly miraculous botanical properties already known and taught by generations of lay healers and researchers, as in the case of pineapples' bromelain. There is a rudimentary explanation of phytopharmaceuticals. Other facts are simply fun: Who knew about a salt-shaker patent modeled on the red poppy's seedcase?As stimulating as a blast of chicory root. (index) (Informational picture book. 8-12)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Hajek-s assertively whimsical illustrations of flowers-a dandy astride a sailboat, holding an enormous Echinacea bloom; a serene woman wearing a bellflower and perched sidesaddle on a goldfinch-anchor this curious compendium of floral folklore. An eclectic assortment of plants, including artichoke, Madonna lily, Mary thistle, pineapple, and rowan, each receive a full-page illustration in a style that, per the author-s note, combines references to Maria Sibylla Merian, a 17th-century botanical artist, with -the Renaissance, folk art, and miniatures.- The accompanying text is a jumble of traditional beliefs and stories mixed with occasional fragments of scientific information: bellflower-s description cites its -large amounts of vitamin C and insulin- alongside its use as a wart cure and its status, in -many old children-s books,- as -a magic flower- linked to fairies. Of the common mallow: -it produces fruits in the shape of small cheese wheels.- The effect is amusing, but the information is scattershot, and the intricate illustrations, though atmospheric, hint at fantastical tales the text never tells. Ages 8-12. (Apr.)

School Library Journal (Wed Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2020)

Gr 4-7 This large book (10 x 15) is meant to be a compendium of plants highlighting their medicinal qualities. Each spread features several paragraphs describing a plant: rose, marigold, iris, and 18 more. An unusual drawing is on the facing page. None of the illustrations clearly represent what the flowers look like. While the illustrations are detailed and full of unusual "folk art," they are not helpful to a reader looking for facts. Why is there an elephant facing the description of an artichoke? Why is a rose popping out of the hat of a dapper young man? Additionally, there is little to engage a young reader. The stylized drawings would lend themselves more to a dark folktale for adults. The introduction (two pages of dense text) speaks to the many aspects of plants: mythology, folklore, herbal remedies. Unfortunately, it lacks enthusiasm and will not appeal to young readers. The text accompanying each flower is even less interesting and lacks scientific detail to back up the author's statements. The spread on the marigold indicates that the flower's petals are used to dye cheese and that perhaps cutting cheese into heart shapes will encourage love. This is much conjecture and not based in fact. VERDICT Not recommended for purchase. Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City