The Boy with Flowers in His Hair; Jarvis

Sweet and gentle David is the boy with the colourful flowers in his hair and everyone likes him, even his teacher who has an allergy to flowers. He is the best person to jump in puddles with, to sing songs with and to run away from bees with. When David’s flowers start to fall out and all that’s left behind are twiggy, spiky and brittle pieces his best friend is there for him and has a plan to help David blossom again…

​The Boy with Flowers in His Hair is a celebration of friendship and being there for your bestie when they need you most. With charming, bright illustrations and a wonderfully sweet story children will be captivated by what it takes to be a great friend and will surely remember David, the boy with the flowers in his hair, long after the last page has been closed.

David’s best friend is such an endearing little boy who, even when David’s appearance changes and he becomes quiet, is there for him when others are a bit more wary of the ‘new’ boy. The unnamed friend is an utter joy, rather than make a big deal about the noticeable changes in David he sets to work on an art project to help his friend bloom with colour and to get him back to feeling like his usual self. Soon, what starts out as a personal project becomes the work of the whole class and David has his flowers back, there are even plenty of spares stored in a box just in case David’s flowers ever fall out again.

No reason is ever given for why all David’s flowers have fallen out which leaves the door open for plenty of discussion; illness, anxiety and hardship could all be explored. Having such a joyous picture book that provides the platform for meaningful discussions is something that parents and teachers will find invaluable.

With huge thanks to Walker Books for the copy I received in exchange for an honest review.

Recommended for 3+.