A Magician's Flower - by Marika Maijala (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A charming children's tale about finding beauty in friendship and nature, a journey full of adventure while learning to appreciate things just as they are -- lushly illustrated by the New York Times featured artist-author of Rosie Runs.

As two plant-loving friends tend to their sapling, they realize what's tiny can also be mighty!

Willow, Aspen, and Eulalia (their faithful chicken) find a mysterious seedling in a neglected corner of their greenhouse. Unable to identify the sprout from their plant guide, they name it Raisin--after a tiny but clever creature from one of Aspen's poems. Each morning Willow races to the greenhouse with her watering can, yet Raisin remains small as ever. Hoping the salt air will usher new growth, the two friends strap Raisin snugly to their basket and cycle to the bustling seashore. Traversing the world with determination and spirit, Aspen and Willow set out on a quest to help Raisin grow.

A Magician's Flower invites young readers to befriend nature and find joy in the many-colored details around them. Marika Maijala's bold lines illuminate this enchanting tale of friendship, exploration, and courage for readers ages 5-9.

Review Quotes

"A sweet and open-ended story about caring for things smaller than oneself and having faith in their ability to grow . . . A good read-aloud for those who have enjoyed other beautiful, philosophical titles, such as Bunny and Tree by Balint Zsako or At the Drop of a Cat by Élise Fontenaille." --Susan Harari, Youth Services Book Review

"A sweet Finnish tale of a flower in need of just a little reassurance . . . the text truly becomes the star of the show, as when readers learn that 'a small, clear voice [is] far more impressive than a loud, bombastic one.' . . . A gentle reminder that gardening and friendship possess their own kind of magic." --Kirkus Reviews

"Across naif-style spreads loosely stroked in petit-four greens, lavenders, and pinks, Maijala shows [Willow and Aspen] pondering a plant's origin . . . Conflict barely ripples this winding, cozy story about adopting a living thing and taking steps to see to its needs." -- Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Marika Maijala lives and works on Harakka Island, off the coast of Helsinki. An illustrator and children's book writer, Maijala's versatile body of work also includes art books, paintings, drawings, texts, animations, videos, installations and illustrations for public spaces. In 2022, Marika was nominated for the 2023 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. Rosie Runs was on USBBY's 2024 Outstanding International Books List.

Mia Spangenberg translates from Finnish, German, and Swedish into English. She is passionate about children's literature and a regular contributor to the WorldKidLit blog. Mia holds a Ph.D. in Scandinavian Studies from the University of Washington, Seattle, where she resides with her family.