Sunday 5 October 2014

Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle

It took me so long to write the review of Flora and the Flamingo, that the author and illustrator Molly Idle has already launched the sequel Flora and the Penguin last week, but that is ok, because these are the kind of books that become all-time favourites and are worth reviewing just anytime. 
Flora and the Flamingo is among some of the most beautifully illustrated children’s books I have seen. I have a special place in my bookshelf for books like this one, the “yes, you can read mommy’s book but wash your hands first” collection.


Published in 2013 and winer of the Caldecott Honor Award, Flora and the Flamingo is a wordless book, yet words are no needed, the images are enough to take us graciously through a story of partnership.


The small details are what make Flora so endearing: her swimming cap, her chubby tights and her clumsiness make us fall in love with her. In my opinion, here is where Idle’s talent resides, in communicating so much with so little. We don't need words to perceive Flora’s feelings and the dynamics of her relationship with the flamingo – their synchronized movements and their expressions are enough.

And the pink! Oh, the pink!


© Molly Idle. Photographs by Chronicle Books

1 comment:

  1. And all that pink indeed :-) As you said beautiful illustrations!

    ReplyDelete