Theodore & David

“Mom, can you tell me a story about the king who 

wouldn't pick up his toys?”

“But, kings don't have toys. The king is a grown man 

and grown men don’t have toys”

“Yes they do! Dad has an iPhone!”

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

Theodore mentioned that he was the only boy that liked Princess Leia, he stressed he is not talking about the adults, (gold bikini anyone?) but just the boys in his classroom.

- "What do you like about her?"- I asked, hoping he would say that she is a smart, independent, brave, strong woman.

- "Her hairstyle" - he said

Seriously?